A Japanese Aircraft Carrier?

[Randy W]

.

Japan more ambitious in its military goals

 

. . . Japan launched the country's new-generation 22DDH-class frigate named Izumo. The name is the same as that of the one used during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1937-45). It is 248 meters long and 38 meters wide with a displacement weight of 27,000 tons. It is larger than some carriers made by Britain, Italy and Spain.

Although it is referred to as a frigate, it is no less than a light carrier. As Japan's Peace Constitution forbids the country from having aircraft carriers, the Japanese government has this time thrown a curve ball. . . .

 

. . .

 

Japan cannot threaten China in matters of life and death. But it is likely to become a more serious problem for China. To respond to Japan's light carrier in the name of "a frigate," China can only develop its own real aircraft carriers.

 

[Randy W]

. . . and guess what?

 

Is This China's Second Aircraft Carrier?

[warpedbored]

Randy it flickers on the story then goes to a page where it wants you to subscribe.

 

I hardly see an frigate/light aircraft carrier as much of a threat to China when China has nukes a stones throw away from Japan. For that matter neither country needs aircraft carriers to attack one another when they are so close in proximity. Aircraft carriers are an advantage to countries like the US so they can park off the shore of countries that would be too far to launch air strikes against from home.

[Randy W]

Here's a link to a different article - http://www.news.com.au/world-news/photos-show-segments-of-new-chinese-aircraft-carrier-under-construction/story-fndir2ev-1226692542578

[NickF]

In any case it's designed to carry assault helicopters. Lacks both catapults and a "ski-jump" aircraft launch ramp, so launching and recovering fixed-wing aircraft would be problematic without a major refit.

[Randy W]

I expect the Chinese WANT to expand their fleet and use the Japanese ship as justification.

 

http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/802243.shtml?utm_source=buffer&utm_campaign=Buffer&utm_content=buffer634f4&utm_medium=facebook#.UgIs3p4wciA

 

Tokyo on Tuesday unveiled its biggest warship since World War II on the 68th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.

 

http://www.globaltimes.cn/Portals/0/attachment/2011/b489e2ee-03f9-4429-ae26-4151002fa88b.jpg

[tsap seui]

Japan with an aircraft carrier. Makes this song come to mind....

 

 

[dnoblett]

In any case it's designed to carry assault helicopters. Lacks both catapults and a "ski-jump" aircraft launch ramp, so launching and recovering fixed-wing aircraft would be problematic without a major refit.

Japan could purchase some F-35B joint strike fighters, or AV-8B Harriers and operate from that ship, yes a "ski-jump" makes it more feasible to fly jump-jets from, but not a requirement.

 

Japan's military chief says F-35 is "best fighter"

 

http://youtu.be/zW28Mb1YvwY

 

I can see why Japan likes the F-35 fighter, this video shows some serious technology.

 

http://youtu.be/ISqdpNv16rg

[Randy W]

The "Longest Stay"

 

http://english.people.com.cn/90883/8358314.html

 

Japan said Thursday it summoned Han after four Chinese ships were spotted in waters around the islands on Thursday morning, three of which have been there for over 28 hours.

The stay is "the longest" since Tokyo's "purchase" of the islets and is "extremely regrettable," Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said, according to the Kyodo News.

 

[Doug]

Because of shear numbers I would hate to see Japan or almost anyone get into it with China, but China is kind of timid in some respects.

 

F-35s would be good for all the initial little real missile slinging , but for saber rattling I think they better stick to their F-2s (F-16) and F-15s. We will never sell an F-22 it seems, so F-35 is the next best L.O. plane.