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| pic via Jeff Head's website. |
Article via Want China.
Japan's new Izumo-class aircraft carriers will make the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force one of the most lethal offensive forces in the world, reports the Beijing-based China Youth Daily.That's a whole lot of worry when we consider that the Izumo is actually just a big deck amphib.
The JDS Izumo helicopter carrier has been undergoing intensive sea trials since late September as Japan prepares to launch two Izumo-class destroyers over the next two years, the report said.
Once commissioned, these Izumo-class vessels will greatly enhance Japan's anti-submarine, anti-ship, air combat and amphibious assault capabilities, giving the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force two light aircraft carrier battle groups and two helicopter carrier battle groups.
Izumo-class carriers will boost the Japanese navy in four key respects. First of all, the Izumo-class can potentially double the anti-submarine capabilities of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Currently, Japan's Shirane-class destroyers can carry 9-10 helicopters, compile two anti-submarine crews and carry 16 anti-submarine torpedoes, while its battle groups can equip 42 MK-46 anti-submarine torpedoes and 112 ASROC anti-submarine missiles, which have a range of 11 kilometers and 22 km, respectively.
On the other hand, Izumo-class destroyers can carry 14 helicopters, five anti-submarine crews and 40 anti-submarine torpedoes, with battle groups that can equip 42 MK-46 anti-submarine torpedoes and 104 ASROC anti-submarine missiles.
Second, the Izumo-class can more than double Japan's air combat capabilities. Shirane-class battle groups come equipped with more than 300 SM-2MR, RIM-7 series and RIM-162 ship-to-air missiles with ranges between 16 km and 150 km. By comparison, the Izumo-class destroyer can carry eight F-35 stealth fighter jets and carry 32 AIM-120 mid-long range missiles and 16 short-range missiles. Its battle groups can also equip more than 400 ship-to-air missiles with ranges between 16 km and 150 km.
Third, the Izumo-class can more than triple Japan's anti-ship combat capabilities. The Shirane-class destroyer can carry 56 Harpoon or Type 90 ship-to-ship missiles which have a range between 90 km and 200 km. But with up to eight F-35 fighters on board, the Izumo-class can carry as many as 48 Norwegian-made naval strike missiles, extending its anti-ship combat radius to 640 km. At the same time, Izumo-class battle groups can also carry more than 50 Harpoon or Type 90 ship-to-ship missiles.
Fourth, the Izumo-class destroyer will lead to a dramatic surge in Japan's remote delivery and amphibious combat capabilities. At the moment, Japan's three Oosumi-class landing ships can be loaded with 990 marine officers, six landing craft and 30 tanks. Each Izumo-class carrier, on the other hand, can carry 500 soldiers and multiple helicopters and tiltrotor aircraft, with a deck that can cater to five helicopters or MV-22 Ospreys landing or taking off simultaneously. Two Izumo-class vessels will be able to transport 1,000 soldiers to the frontline while also strengthening defense and invasion capabilities.
It seems more and more obvious that Japan is the counter to Chinese aggression in that area.
Perhaps we should tailor our defense of that region with the idea that Japan and Australia will be our only "reliable" partners in the area. That isn't to say that Singapore, S. Korea, the Philippines and others aren't valuable...its just that their assistance will probably come with many more strings attached, and be tailored toward their own defense and not mutual assistance.
---"But with up to eight F-35 fighters on board, the Izumo-class can carry as many as 48 Norwegian-made naval strike missiles, extending its anti-ship combat radius to 640 km."--- Unlikely.
ReplyDeleteI can certify that Izumo class cannot carry F-35s, and Japan does not use NSM; it has its own supersonic antiship missiles. In fact, all major Asian powers do. NSM/JSM is deficient for use in Asia.
DeleteAll of the aircraft in that pic were photoshopped on. They didn't even correct for color temperature. LOL.
Deletewhy do you feel the need to state the obvious? i picked the picture because it fit with the story. i don't understand your need to attempt to mock what is a pretty darn good representation of how it might operate in the future.
Deletemaybe i'm in a bad mood but i don't get some of you guys. instead of contributing you bastards nitpick everything.
Solomon
DeleteWantChina is a Taiwanese media where the journalism standard is a lot lower than in the West, some are basically tabloid news. Everything you read from Taiwanese media, you need to verify on your own.
Slowman
Deletei'll choose whatever sources i like. if you don't like it then i recommend you go elsewhere. your advice wasn't asked for and it isn't appreciated.
The inherent problem with relying on Japan as the backbone of our alliance in the Pacific is that they are going broke. US public debt to GDP is around 80 percent, whereas in Japan it is 214 percent and climbing. Half of the money they take in as taxes goes to paying interest on their debt, so if they ever have a situation like Greece where bond yields go up they are screwed. A doubling in their long term interest rates makes them totally insolvent. Also their demographics are the worst of any country in the world. I read an article last year saying more adult diapers are sold in Japan than diapers for children.
ReplyDeleteyeah but thats assuming a "rational" not radical course of action to deal with that debt. lets be honest. once your public debt goes north of around 20% you're probably not going to dig yourself out of the hole without a bunch of funny math.
Deleteif Japan's debt load is actually 214% then it just doesn't matter anymore. they're not going to be able to pay that back and any rational person knows that. they're going to default one day, the books are going to be wiped clean and they're going to start over.
the same applies to every Western nation. its another reason why i say that the current global economy is fraudulent and a house of cards. this nonsense only makes sense with weird math. once reality finally sets in everyone is going to say screw it. take the pain and start all over.
Sol, sadly you are probably correct. Add up all debt obligations at all levels, plus the "fake & bake" financial derivatives and it's even worse.
DeleteInteresting thoughts. I (along with many others) have been saying for years Greece should default and revert to its own currency. If you are interested in this subject "This Time is Different: Eight Centuries of Financial Folly" is a must read. It's the best long term research ever done on the subject. Rogoff says when you get beyond 100 to 120 debt to GDP you are a goner. We are at 80 and steady for now. The key for us is to control health spending and some of the data there is looking better. France passed 100 this year. Japan and Italy are clearly goners.
DeleteSolomon
Delete> they're going to default one day, the books are going to be wiped clean and they're going to start over.
And Japanese citizens and banks go broke in the process, and Japan becomes a poorer nation having come out of the biggest economic disaster since the end of WW2.
> Perhaps we should tailor our defense of that region with the idea that Japan and Australia will be our only "reliable" partners in the area.
Australia, yes.
Japan, no. A financially broke Japan becomes the burden for the US against a rising China that won't back off until it scores a military victory against Japan, most likely the Diaoyu War..
you wish. read more carefully. i've already stated why that won't happen...and no. Japan is a real ally, not a burden.
DeleteSolomon
Delete> i've already stated why that won't happen
Where? I read your posts three times over and I couldn't find any.
Anyhow, the Japanese government is currently spending $257 billion on debt service cost, on a tax intake of around $500 billion. If the interest rate increases from current 0.47% on 10-year bonds to say 1%, then basically all of Japan's tax intake goes to debt service and Japan's budget now consists of 100% new bond sales. With a bankrupt government, Abe can't pay for his new Neo-Imperial Japanese Army and Navy.
Thus Japan represents litte benefit and a big risk over long term, because Japan's war with China is is a matter of when.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/08/27/us-japan-economy-debt-idUSBRE97Q05H20130827
Japan's debt-funding costs to hit $257 billion next year: document
i really dont get the last post, if japan so deep in debt, then why all the rebuilding of the military for ? where the money came from ? didnt south korean also protest japanese military build up too ? what if in the future theres a naval conflict between Korea and Japan ? thats not impossible..
ReplyDeleteJapan being the most reliable ally in the Pacific ?
ReplyDeleteSure, thats quiet a believable statement.
But if the USA doesnt do a 100% of the planned Pivot to the Pacific with its full resources, intellectual capacity and political will......that above statement will go to Japan by default. Continous missions in Africa, Middle East and a possible involvment in Ukraine might just dent USA as the most reliable ally in the Pacific in this limited budget era.
Its one thingto win the title of most reliable by doing hard work and progress, its quiet another to win by default.
Delete