well, the JMSDF recently got a new Izumo-class "helicopter destroyer", which is nothing like a destroyer and more like the Royal Navy's aircraft carriers at 248m. And even though it is listed for a helicopter platform, with deck and hangar that size its not hard to imagine the ship being used to carry VTOLs. And some even say Japan is going for its own VTOL, perhaps based on a F-35 (kinda like the Mitsubishi F-2s to the F-16s). Or they might even go for a licensed-built F-35s.
Well those are my rants. Who knows. But yes please aircraft carriers for the JMSDF.
[...] But yes please aircraft carriers for the JMSDF.
I think investments in submarines would be more useful... As long as Japan doesn't invade other countries (again), there is not much need to project airpower outside their national borders. Either way they need to expand air defense just in case China freaks out (and DPRK to a lesser extent)...
I think investments in submarines would be more useful... As long as Japan doesn't invade other countries (again), there is not much need to project airpower outside their national borders. Either way they need to expand air defense just in case China freaks out (and DPRK to a lesser extent)...
Well, aircraft is the principal enemy of a submarine, so at least having aircraft carriers means the submarines can be more protected further away from land airbases.
