Japan is one step closer to its first Aircraft Carrier in Over 75 years  #defencenews #japan #navy
Channel: Soldiers Five
Date: 09/04/2024

On the 29th March this year the Japanese navy hit a key milestone in their re-merging expeditionary capability. JS Kaga classified as a DDH or Helicopter destroyer completed stage one of her two stage conversion into an aircraft carrier capable of launching F-35 Bravo’s. 

The re-design of Japan's two largest helicopter destroyers is part of the country's $320 Billion re-armament efforts, begun in earnest in 2022, and will be completed in FY 2027.   

The Izumo class has always attracted raised eyebrows from industry commentators and foreign governments and has been called an ‘aircraft carrier in disguise’ since it began construction in 2012. Three years before Shinzo Abe pushed through legislation allowing the JSDF to engage in overseas combat missions. 

The modifications are certainly not extensive requiring only additional heat shielding of the flight deck, bow reshaping and additional power supply equipment. 

It also appears the class will remain classified as a Helicopter destroyer despite now possessing the same capability as the UK Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carrier. 

Let me know what you all think about the recent Japanese arms build-up in the comment section below.