Posted on 08/15/2013 6:08:58 AM PDT by Freeport
On August 6 last week the MSDF unveiled its new helicopter “destroyer,” the Izumo (22DDH). While much media and diplomatic fuss has been made about this being an “aircraft carrier in disguise” with potentially “offensive” applications, there are some legal, practical, and future considerations that need to be understood for a balanced discussion of its significance to take place.
Following on from the discussion in the previous instalment of this series, the question that one should reflect upon is whether the Izumo could be regarded as “war potential” given that many regard aircraft carriers to be exclusively offensive in nature. The Izumo, and the Hyuga and its sister ship, the Ise, very well could have been considered “war potential” in the early 1960s (for example) when China had no naval capabilities to speak of, and the USSR had yet to strengthen its Pacific Fleet. However, with the blue water modernization of both the USSR/Russian and Chinese navies since 1965 and 1985 respectively, there are significant geostrategic and maritime concerns that expose Japan’s security in the north and the south, making the capability to transport helicopters for Anti-Submarine Warfare in particular essential. . . . Future: A real aircraft carrier?
Given the above, it would seem, given the more than adequate naval and defense capabilities of Japan’s neighbours, the Izumo is not “war potential” and poses little direct offensive threat on its own or in tandem with the SDF’s other capabilities. Given Japan’s significant maritime defense perimeter, the concept of a “defensive” carrier for enabling the projection of aerial power to Japan’s southern extremities is not beyond the constitutional imagination if China’s naval build-up continues. The above discussion however has been solely focused on “war potential” within the context of Japan’s independent military strength. . . .
(Excerpt) Read more at defense-aerospace.com ...
1) There is ample forward mounting to install a jump ramp in the future.
2) The landing pad for an F-35B class vehicle is a retro-fit; even on the WASP class ships.
If one looks at this ship today, the author is right. But add a few modificaitons and the Japanese have a viable carrier and that's where he's missing the point.
They should have several.
The leaders and almost all the soldiers of 1956 are dead. Today
s Japan has nothing in common with the Imperial. They need offensive capability with China on their doorstep and after all this time, enough is enough.
Editing duh! 1945
The Japanese had better re-learn naval tactics. They want the US’s protection but don’t want our bases on their soil.
Can’t have it both ways.
True, and we can continue as world cop or let capable countries protect themselves.
ALL countries should, capable or not. All our treaty does today is give is a sword to hold over their head. And it’s not needed. Once it was. But not today.
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