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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsJapan is converting its 2 biggest warships into aircraft carriers; US Marines are helping train them
https://www.businessinsider.com/marine-corps-f35bs-landed-on-japans-converted-aircraft-carrier-izumo-2021-10As China increases the size and capability of its military, Japan has responded by adapting its Self-Defense Force to meet what it sees as a growing threat.
Japan has created its first amphibious military unit since World War II and launched a new class of high-tech frigates, and it's restructuring its tank force to be lighter and more mobile and building up its missile capabilities.
Perhaps the most eye-opening move, though, is the conversion of its two Izumo-class helicopter carriers into dedicated aircraft carriers.
On Sunday, two US Marine Corps F-35Bs landed on and took off from the deck of the Izumo, the lead ship of the class - the first time a fixed-wing aircraft has operated from a Japanese carrier in 75 years.
(excerpt)
Amishman
(5,554 posts)sounds like we are more training them how to use them as such.
Good, China isn't our friend - and we need our real friends to be ready if our worst fears are realized.
Joe also has some of our people in Taiwan quietly training them as well, which I also wholeheartedly support.
DetroitLegalBeagle
(1,919 posts)I remember when they were first revealed that people were saying those were clearly designed for F35's in mind.
Saboburns
(2,807 posts)"Scratch four flat tops."
FBaggins
(26,727 posts)nt
Volaris
(10,269 posts)roamer65
(36,745 posts)We are going to let Japan rearm as a counter force to China.
So far I am guessing this will be the Asia/Pacific alliance against China.
Japan
United States
Australia
Taiwan
India
Vietnam
(President Biden met with Modi the other day in the WH and discussed China.)
Aristus
(66,308 posts)China is not treating its Muslim minority very well.
roamer65
(36,745 posts)Last edited Sat Oct 9, 2021, 12:29 AM - Edit history (1)
Vietnam should worry the Chinese.
The Vietnamese kicked their asses in 1979 when China tried to invade in retaliation for the Vietnamese doing the world a favor and toppling Pol Pot in Cambodia.
DemocratSinceBirth
(99,710 posts)Klaralven
(7,510 posts)India considers itself a major player and will pursue its own interests.
China and India are actually not much of a threat to each other. The mountains are high and the jungles are deep.
roamer65
(36,745 posts)Specifically the Ladakh region of it.
Also in the Sikkim region to the east.
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indian-chinese-troops-clashed-in-north-sikkim-last-week-officials-101611556633254.html
Klaralven
(7,510 posts)After all, the Chinese withdrew from their gains in both Kashmir and Arunchal Pradesh in '62. The Indians basically lost that war, and the border has been largely quiet ever since.
The Kashmir dispute is with Pakistan.
roamer65
(36,745 posts)They had a skirmish there a few months back.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20202021_ChinaIndia_skirmishes
Klaralven
(7,510 posts)Compared with tensions with Pakistan.
roamer65
(36,745 posts)Always the potential for
Two nuclear powers.
DemocratSinceBirth
(99,710 posts)unc70
(6,110 posts)Also short takeoff. They do not require much of a traditional carrier. No catapult, no hook for landing.
Klaralven
(7,510 posts)Tetrachloride
(7,826 posts)of the east.
The port city of Kaohsiung (spellings vary) and Tainan would be a target first.
Japan is mainly hills and mountains.
roamer65
(36,745 posts)I fully expect them to give NK the go for lighting up the 38th parallel.
Diversionary tactic to bog the US down, IF Kim Jong Crazy decides to do it.
hardluck
(638 posts)Same name as one of the famed Kidō Butai carriers that participated in the Pearl Harbor attack and was later sunk during the battle of Midway. So fascinating.
roamer65
(36,745 posts)Angleae
(4,482 posts)hardluck
(638 posts)Make them along the lines of HMS Queen Elizabeth. Really get the party started.
Angleae
(4,482 posts)They needed four replacement helicopter destroyers to replace the Harauna and Shirane classes, so they built four (2 Hyuga, 2 Izumo).
hatrack
(59,583 posts)roamer65
(36,745 posts)hatrack
(59,583 posts)sarisataka
(18,559 posts)They can call the carrier group the Kidō Butai.
The IJN, excuse me- JMSDF, has already resumed using the rising sun flag.
Sgent
(5,857 posts)they are converting their helicopter carriers / amphibious assault carriers into light carriers as we have done with the WASP class.
Kaleva
(36,291 posts)The hangers and lifts were designed from the beginning to be able to handle F35bs. They just classified these ships as helicopter carriers for political reasons
roamer65
(36,745 posts)Maybe its not just talk.