Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force

[jbryce1437]

Thanks Brian , great photo ...... do you have any other details on this class please

Here's what Wiki has on them

Jim

[ivorthediver]

Thank you Jim , some self defence Force that .......it looks bigger than our entire Navy in numbers

[designeraccd]

The JMSDF is one of the strongest Navies today, second only (in numbers) to the Chinese PLAN in the Asian area. Given the type of "inspired" training I remember seeing the Japanese Det. under going at the Redstone Arsenal back in '65-'66, I'd guess that this Navy is the best trained with modern combat capable warships in this area of the world. DFO

[ivorthediver]

Cant argue with that Dennis , but under the "Legislation" curbing her "NAVY" how does the purchase of the Wasp sit with the USN as for all intents and purposes its a Carrier on which Strike aircraft would be based and used . are we watching a boiling pot of TAR here

[designeraccd]

Purcha$ed WASP????????? AFAIK she has finally left dockside and deployed on her first USN mission in years!!

Gee...in "my" USMC we exercised in utilities and combat boots! Sneakers n skivvies for PT....say what??? DFO

[designeraccd]

Latest report on change to JMSDF IZUMO:

"Japan to revise National Defense Program Guidelines to convert JS Izumo into aircraft carrier

Japan is taking another step towards converting JS Izumo into an aircraft carrier. Media outlets are reporting that Tokyo intends to revise the National Defense Program Guidelines next month to allow the helicopter destroyer to be converted to operated fixed-wing aircraft."

She will be a EXPEN$IVE cvl given the small air group plus co$t of adding the F-35B version.! Of course, it is a start for the new, improved KIDO BUTAI Also reported that Japan is adding 100 more F-35s to their buy. No breakdown on which versions yet. DFO

[ivorthediver]

Well I can see their point of view given the Chinese sabre rattling and the North Koreans recent stance

[designeraccd]

Indeed, however...I wonder what the JMSDF now has on its CAD/CAE tubes now??? Any sisal rope curtains going up over any building docks in Japan?? DFO

[ivorthediver]

you mean to say you haven't got any photo's yet Dennis

[designeraccd]

Sigh....nothing yet......... SHOKAKU up next?? DFO