Inevitability Revealed: F-35 Prospects for Izumo Class Carriers

Ever since the inception of the Izumo Class Helicopter Destroyer Carrier, the prospect of complimenting such carriers with fixed wing aircraft has been the subject of debate. Long held as an objection by Beijing, the growing tensions in both the South China Seas and on the Korean Penninsula have brought forth this long held notion that such a deployment of fighter aircraft aboard a JMSDF carrier would not only become an inevitability but a necessity. This of course challenges Japan's post war restrictions prohibiting offensive first strike aircraft on Japanese vessels. So far, Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera says they are merely studying the concept and will make determinations based on Japan's ever changing defense needs. We are certain Japan has looked extensively at USMC F-35B fighter wings based on US Navy Assault ships. Currently, Japan has only two Izumo Class carriers; the Izumo and the Kaga which are both larger than their WWII predecessors thus making them capable of carrying such V/STOL 5th Generation fighters. As reassured by the Abe Government, this is only a study and not a promise to arm these JMSDF vessels. To be continued.

Kaga: Then and Now

Here's a comparison view of the Imperial Japanese Navy carrier KAGA from 1928 and her modern day descendant the JS KAGA (DDH-184) today. They've come a long way!

Putting Out to Sea

Seen here are Japan's two JMSDF Izumo Class Helicopter Carriers Izumo & Kaga at port. Earlier this month, the Izumo put out to sea to participate in extended exercises in the Indian Ocean and the contentious South China Seas. As expected, Beijing objected as they do any time one of these 249 meter long warships leave port. Given the recent construction of aircraft hangers and radar installations on the artificial islands under their control, such moves on the part of Japan's maritime force should be expected. These modern carriers are as large as the aircraft carriers Japan used in WWII. But make no mistake, there are no catapults or angled deck for fixed winged aircraft. Thus their role is largely confined to helicopter Anti-Submarine and relief missions. Their current three month mission is in participation with American Naval forces.

Introducing Japan's Newest Submarine: KOKURYU

This last October 31st 2015, Japan launched it's newest Sōryū-class Attack submarine the Kokuryo (Black Dragon) SS-506 in what has been described as a festive ceremony in Kobe reminiscent of the recent launch of the Izumo helicopter carrier launch of the KAGA. Sticking with the Dragon naming convention, the Kokuryu is the 6th Sōryū (Blue Dragon)-class submarine built of the nine planned diesel powered vessels by Kawasaki Heavy Industries. After extensive sea trials, the 84 meter attack submarine is expected to enter service later in 2016. The Sōryū Class is the largest Submarines built by Japan since the end of WWII. We at American Mishima wish the future Captain & Crew of the Kokuryu many safe voyages ahead!

To learn more about the JMSDF,
Please visit their JMSDF English Page here.

PM Abe JMSDF Fleet Review 2015

This last week, Japan's JMSDF showcased it's fleet for its tri-annaul review before Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The Fleet conducted its review in Sagami Bay which included its modern armada of missile guided cruisers, destroyers, submarines, aircraft, and the fleet's largest vessel since WWII the new helicopter carrier the Izumo. While smaller than it's IJN predecessor, Japan's JMSDF is powerful capable force that will soon see the addition of the Izumo Class Helicopter carrier KAGA that will meet the growing security challenges in the region.

The following is a direct speech from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe:
Surrounded by the sea, and living thanks to the sea. Japan is a nation that regards the safety of the seas as its own safety. Today I attended a naval review. I was all the more impressed seeing the valiant figures of our “personnel defending us out on the sea,” whose accuracy and precision are unrivaled in spite of the large waves out in the open sea. The Self-Defense Forces, who single-mindedly continue to defend the peace of Japan while braving the angry seas, overcoming air turbulence, or becoming covered in mud. Those who join the SDF take their own decision to walk down paths where they take up difficult posts. They are the pride of Japan.As the Commander-in-Chief of the SDF, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the families of the SDF members for sending their beloved spouses and children out into the field.

New JMSDF KAGA Video

Here's the latest Video presentation of the JMSDF's newest Izumo Class Helicopter Carrier KAGA. Isn't she a beauty? While alarmists protest PM Shinzo Abe's slow military buildup throughout Japan and further object to talks of scrapping Article 9, it is ships such as the Izumo Class carriers that must meet the growing challenge presented by the Chinese Navy's latest Island building ventures and aggressive moves in international waters. It is in Japan's best interests to focus on the threat at hand and not dwell on the catastrophic mistakes of the past. We at American Mishima do not see this as a return to ultra right wing militarism as the pacifists will claim but rather an awakening to Japan's role in global security it can no longer afford to avoid because of its wartime past. What you thought the US Navy could do it all by itself? With our 273 ship Navy stretched around the world, we need Japan to step up its game and join the 21st Century. Billions of Yen alone will not counter Chinese aggression or threats from rogue nations such as North Korea who also threatens Japanese interests on the high seas. While many Japanese citizens accuse the Abe Government of being some kind of new Hitler, Nothing could be further from the truth. There is no ethnic cleansing or plans for invading it's neighbors. This is not the Japan of WWII. After the defeat in 1945 the issue was Feudalism that held the people from progressive thinking. Today it is defeatism by pacifists who believe that any involvement by Japan will end in defeat, Some have asked if PM Abe has heard the protests of mothers who are against war. Protecting Japan's future does not guarantee war. This is about protecting the peace and we believe Japan is a step closer to being up to the task. We applaud PM Abe's efforts to equip the JMSDF and further applaud the men and women who as members of the JMSDF represent some of the best forces for peace in the region.

Japan Launches 2nd Izumo Class Carrier

This week Japan's Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) launched it's second Izumo Class Helicopter Carrier KAGA DDH-184. It is the first ship top carry the name Kaga since the original IJN aircraft carrier Kaga that was lost at the Battle of Midway Island. Like her older sister the Izumo, the Kaga's primary mission will be anti-submarine warfare and humanitarian aid /disaster relief. Critics will say this will carry F-35 strike fighters but this is all rumor with little technical evidence to back that up. Neither Izumo Class "Helicopter Destroyer" carriers have steam catapults for launching fixed wing aircraft. Vertical Takeoff & Landing while possible is not practical in combat conditions. With it's current configuration, this can not be considered a first strike offensive weapons platform so those demonstrating against PM Shinzo Abe's military buildup can relax. But with Red China propping up man made islands in the South China Sea conveniently making international waters off limit military zones of the PRC, Japan has to meet this challenge and we at American Mishima will support it. So to the Captain & crew of the Kaga: がんばって ください!