Japan Looks To Refit Izumo Helicopter Carrier For F-35B Fighter Jets

[BMD]

Japan Looks To Refit Izumo Helicopter Carrier For F-35B Fighter Jets

Japan Looks To Refit Izumo Helicopter Carrier For F-35B Fighter Jets
Our Bureau

12:17 PM, December 26, 2017

734 views

Japan Looks To Refit Izumo Helicopter Carrier For F-35B Fighter Jets

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The Japanese government is considering the possibility of acquiring US-made F-35B fighter jets in future, as it is looking into remodelling Tokyo’s Izumo helicopter carrier.

The 248-metre (814-feet) Izumo, Japan's largest warship equipped with a flat flight deck, was designed with an eye to hosting F-35B fighters. Its elevator connecting the deck with the hangar can carry the aircraft, the government sources told Reuters.

Three government sources close to the matter were quoted as saying that the Japanese government was keeping in sight the possible future procurement of F-35B fighter jets, which can take off and land vertically, as it looks into the remodelling of the Izumo.

Any refit of the Izumo would be aimed at preparing for a scenario in which runways in Japan had been destroyed by missile attacks, and at bolstering defence around Japan's southwestern islands, where China's maritime activity has increased.

Possible refitting measures included adding a curved ramp at the end of the flight deck, improving the deck's heat resistance against jet burners, and reinforcing the ship's air traffic control capability, they said.

However, Japanese Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera said the government was not taking any concrete steps towards refitting the Izumo.

"Regarding our defence posture, we are constantly conducting various examinations. But no concrete examination is under way on the introduction of F-35B or remodelling of Izumo-class destroyers," Onodera told reporters on Tuesday.

 

[BMD]

Japan Considering JSM & LRASM Next Gen Anti-Ship Missile Procurement

Japan Considering JSM & LRASM Next Gen Anti-Ship Missile Procurement

According to a report by Fuji News Network (FNN)'s "Fuji TV" which aired today, the Japan Self-Defense Forces (自衛隊 Jieitai or JSDF) is considering the procurement of JASSM-ER (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile - Extended Range) long-range air-to-ground, precision standoff missiles as well as Joint Strike Missile (JSM) and LRASM (Long Range Anti Ship Missile) next generation anti-ship missiles.

While the procurement of Kongsberg's JSM was previously mentionned in the Japanese press (Yomiuri newspaper first mentionned it in June this year), it is the first time that LRASM is mentionned. LRASM just entered mass production this summer and it is unlikely to be available for export any time soon. The missiles would be intended to be fitted on the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-15J and F-2 fighters. Japan is set to mass produce its own next gen anti-ship missile, the XASM-3, next year. But XASM-3 has a shorter range compared to JSM and LRASM and lacks land attack capability.

 

[Aravind]

Japan Considering JSM & LRASM Next Gen Anti-Ship Missile Procurement

Japan Considering JSM & LRASM Next Gen Anti-Ship Missile Procurement

According to a report by Fuji News Network (FNN)'s "Fuji TV" which aired today, the Japan Self-Defense Forces (自衛隊 Jieitai or JSDF) is considering the procurement of JASSM-ER (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile - Extended Range) long-range air-to-ground, precision standoff missiles as well as Joint Strike Missile (JSM) and LRASM (Long Range Anti Ship Missile) next generation anti-ship missiles.

While the procurement of Kongsberg's JSM was previously mentionned in the Japanese press (Yomiuri newspaper first mentionned it in June this year), it is the first time that LRASM is mentionned. LRASM just entered mass production this summer and it is unlikely to be available for export any time soon. The missiles would be intended to be fitted on the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-15J and F-2 fighters. Japan is set to mass produce its own next gen anti-ship missile, the XASM-3, next year. But XASM-3 has a shorter range compared to JSM and LRASM and lacks land attack capability.

What's with the JSM Missile being pointed at Kim Jong Un Photograph?

 

[Nilgiri]

China got its panties into a serious twist over even the mere suggestion haha.

Well played Japan, carry on.

 

[randomradio]

Japan Looks To Refit Izumo Helicopter Carrier For F-35B Fighter Jets

Japan Looks To Refit Izumo Helicopter Carrier For F-35B Fighter Jets
Our Bureau

12:17 PM, December 26, 2017

734 views

Japan Looks To Refit Izumo Helicopter Carrier For F-35B Fighter Jets

- A +

The Japanese government is considering the possibility of acquiring US-made F-35B fighter jets in future, as it is looking into remodelling Tokyo’s Izumo helicopter carrier.

The 248-metre (814-feet) Izumo, Japan's largest warship equipped with a flat flight deck, was designed with an eye to hosting F-35B fighters. Its elevator connecting the deck with the hangar can carry the aircraft, the government sources told Reuters.

Three government sources close to the matter were quoted as saying that the Japanese government was keeping in sight the possible future procurement of F-35B fighter jets, which can take off and land vertically, as it looks into the remodelling of the Izumo.

Any refit of the Izumo would be aimed at preparing for a scenario in which runways in Japan had been destroyed by missile attacks, and at bolstering defence around Japan's southwestern islands, where China's maritime activity has increased.

Possible refitting measures included adding a curved ramp at the end of the flight deck, improving the deck's heat resistance against jet burners, and reinforcing the ship's air traffic control capability, they said.

However, Japanese Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera said the government was not taking any concrete steps towards refitting the Izumo.

"Regarding our defence posture, we are constantly conducting various examinations. But no concrete examination is under way on the introduction of F-35B or remodelling of Izumo-class destroyers," Onodera told reporters on Tuesday.

Korea wants to do the same on their own LHDs.

I hope India follows suit sometime in the future. The F-35B is a really, really good jet.

 

[BMD]

Looks like it hit a nerve.

Nocookies

China warns Japan over plans to buy F-35

 

[Shashank]

Looks like it hit a nerve.

Nocookies

Looks like chinese got infected with some Viruses from few of their best friends. They issue at least 5 threats every day. I am sure every day their propoganda department head has to come up with 5 countries to issue threats. I recall India, Japan and Australia for today. thinking who are remaining 2 countries.

On a serious note I think Chinese should get used to these now. Though late but west is slowly waking up to chinese economic and propogandic aggression.

 

[Shashank]

@BMD Any Idea how many of these planes would fit on these carriers. I think next course of action for Japan is to build a medium sized carriers to be able to carry more of F35's .

 

[BMD]

@BMD Any Idea how many of these planes would fit on these carriers. I think next course of action for Japan is to build a medium sized carriers to be able to carry more of F35's .

The Invincible Class was 209m x 36m and fitted 22 Harriers or 18 + 4 heli. The Izumo Class is 248m x 38m, so I would figure around 30 + some helis easily.

 

[Shashank]

The Invincible Class was 209m x 36m and fitted 22 Harriers or 18 + 4 heli. The Izumo Class is 248m x 38m, so I would figure around 30 + some helis easily.

I presume F35 is bigger and heavier than Harrier and may need lot of changes in current setup to operate. I doubt if more number of F35 can operate than Harriers but F35 will definitely pack a bigger punch.
Saw some interesting discussion here.

 

[BMD]

Amphibious Ships Transformed Into Aircraft Carriers Debut in Asia-Pacific | Defense Update:

• Aerospace
• Aircraft
• Surface Vessels
• Aircraft Carriers
• Naval Systems
• Amphibious
• Japan
• Korea
• Defense Technology
• Modernization & Upgrading
• North America

Amphibious Ships Transformed Into Aircraft Carriers Debut in Asia-Pacific
By

Tamir Eshel
-

Dec 31, 2017
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Share on Facebook Tweet on Twitter F-35B prepared for a mission on the deck of the Wasp.
With the planned arrival of amphibious support ship USS Wasp (LHD-1) in the Pacific Ocean, the Wasp will replace USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD6) as the forward-deployed flagship of the amphibious forces in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. Wasp is leading the Up-Gunned Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG), a beefed-up naval force comprising three amphibious support ships, 2,200 personnel strong Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and some Fifth Generation F-35B stealth fighters. This ESG enhances the U.S. rapid response capabilities and power projection in the volatile region of the Western Pacific.

The amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) transits the Strait of Magellan, December 10, 2017. Wasp is transiting to Sasebo, Japan to conduct a turnover with the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) as the forward-deployed flagship of the amphibious forces in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. Photo: US Navy by Levingston Lewis.
Apart from the American 40500 ton LHD that has already been modified to operate the F-35B, both Japan and South Korea are interested in the new potential mating STOVL fighters with flat-deck helicopter carriers. Both countries already acquired the conventional take-off variant (F-35A), and consider operating the Short Take-Off / Vertical Landing (STOVL) B version from ships.

On its current mission in the Pacific Ocean Wasp will perform its first operational mission with F-35B ship-based joint strike fighter capability. Wasp will operate in the Sea of Japan, in the region that includes North Korea and China. Wasp is transiting to Sasebo, Japan, to conduct a turnover with the USS Bonhomme Richard as the forward-deployed flagship of the amphibious forces in the Western Pacific.

The Marine Corps’ Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA 121) that operates F-35B from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Japan since January will provide the aircraft deployed on the Wasp as she arrives in Japan. Wasp is the centerpiece of the ESG, which also includes the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay and one of two forward-deployed amphibious dock landing ships, the Navy said. The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) will also join the task group with more than 2,200 Marines aboard.

The ESG and MEU are the premier crisis response U.S. force in the western Pacific, able to respond at a moment’s notice to any contingency. “Our capabilities, paired with the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter, increases our Navy’s precision strike capabilities within the 7th Fleet region. Wasp commander Capt. Andrew Smith said.

LPH-6111 Dokdo – the lead ship of the Dokdo class amphibious support ship entered service with the Republic of Korea Navy in 2007. The second ship of this class, ROKS Marado (LPH-6112), is currently under construction, scheduled for commissioning in 2020.
Last week it was announced that South Korea considers buying additional 26 F-35s, in addition to the 40 they already ordered. Six of those 26 are likely to be F-35B STOVL variants, that will be able to operable from the Marado – the Korean Navy second Dokdo class assault ship currently under construction. This 14,000 ton vessel can be modified through the remaining construction phase, to operate F-35s as it is commissioned around 2020. Korea expects to begin deploying the first F-35As in 2018, and all 40 planes are slated for delivery by 2021 and open to receive the second batch of 20-26 starting in 2023.

Japan is also evaluating the possibility to deploy F-35B on naval vessels, specifically, the 20,000 ton Izumo Class helicopter carriers Izumo (JS183) and Kaga (JS184). The size of the Japanese ships is 30 ft (nine meters) shorter than the wasp (814 vs 844 ft – 257 vs 248 meters), This will practically transform Izumo into an aircraft carrier with limited offensive capability. This modification enables the Japanese naval forces to improve control of remote islands, employing the modified carrier as a ‘floating island’ refueling and rearming jet fighters operating far from shore. For its size, Izumo will be able to operate up to 10 aircraft on board. Japan also has two smaller helicopter carriers – JS Hyūga and Ise.

Japan does not necessarily have to buy the STOVL F-35B to benefit from such refit, as the modified carrier will be able to improve interoperability with the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Like the USS Wasp, the converted Izumo will be able to support F-35B on forward deployment or as a ‘floating refueling station ’The US Marine Corps is operating from bases in Okinawa.

While these developments are aimed to provide Tokyo with some deterrence against North Korea, it should also be a concern for China, as sources in Beijing immediately commented criticizing the Japanese move.

Following a defensive-oriented policy since the end of World War II, Japan does not pursue investments in strategic weapons such as long-range ballistic missiles, bombers, or aircraft carriers with attack capabilities. Following the North Korean aggression and proliferation of regional threats, Japan has bolstered its defense capabilities and is opening to expand military investments, and the Japanese government has already included funding for the introduction of long-range cruise missiles in its 2018 budget.

By possessing an aircraft carrier, even though not a large one, Japan could expand the flight range of fighter jets heading to attack North Korea’s territory, thus boosting the capability to strike an enemy base. Japan will review the National Defense Program Guidelines at the end of 2018, and whether to possess offensive capability will be a focal issue.

 

[Ginvincible]

I found these models from this blog: 1/700 DDH-183 いずも | ホームワールム

pretty interesting concept of the Izumo~

 

[Ginvincible]