Japan’s decision to upgrade one of its helicopter carriers to its first aircraft carrier warship has rattled China big time.
It has raised questions in Beijing because a former ship with the same name was used by Japan to bomb Shanghai.
Japan also plans to convert Kaga’s sister ship, Izumo, into an aircraft carrier in a process expected to finish in 2027.
The Japanese government has ordered 42 F-35Bs for the carriers, 30 more than what the two carriers can host.
However, even Chinese experts believe that the Japanese carrier’s fifth-generation F-35B fighters are more advanced than the J-15s carried by Chinese carriers.
Japan’s decision to upgrade one of its helicopter carriers to its first aircraft carrier warship has rattled China big time. Chinese foreign ministry in a statement has cautioned Tokyo against violating the country’s post-war pacifist constitution.
Much to China’s chagrin, Japan has upgraded the helicopter carrier named Kaga. It has raised questions in Beijing because a former ship with the same name was used by Japan to bomb Shanghai.
Japan becomes assertive
The Kaga entered service in 2017 as a helicopter carrier but now it has upgraded to host Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters. The ship will undergo the second phase of modification in 2026-27 to further cement its position as a fighter plane carrier.
But that’s not all. Japan also plans to convert Kaga’s sister ship, Izumo, into an aircraft carrier in a process expected to finish in 2027.
Both carriers, after modifications, will carry 12 fighter jets and 16 helicopters.
But here is one interesting angle. The Japanese government has ordered 42 F-35Bs for the carriers, 30 more than what the two carriers can host. This has triggered speculations and rumours about Japan’s covert plans for its navy.
China rattled
Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying reiterated the pacifist clause in the Japanese constitution in response to Tokyo’s major strategic move.
Watch: Taiwan slams China Embassy's response, says 'it is a free country' × Hua said the clause “is an important legal guarantee and symbol of Japan’s post-war path towards peaceful development, and a solemn commitment by Japan to the international community”.
Japan’s response
Japan maintains the carriers will not be used to wage wars but for self-defence. The government also says that F-35B fighter jets will not be deployed full-time on the Kaga and Izumo.
It is important to note that China has three active aircraft carriers—Liaoning, Shandong and Fujian—in its fleet as it plans to add a fourth one.
However, even Chinese experts believe that the Japanese carrier’s fifth-generation F-35B fighters are more advanced than the J-15s carried by Chinese carriers. However, Song Zhongping, a former Chinese military instructor, is quoted as saying in the South China Morning Post (SCMP) that the limited numbers of Japanese aircraft erode their effectiveness.
(With inputs from agencies)
