China startled when Japan buys aircraft carrier

The Japanese Navy recently planned to purchase the F-35 stealth fighter version that can be deployed on aircraft carriers.

Thus, after receiving and assembling on-site the first 5th generation stealth fighters F-35A - the conventional take-off and landing version for the air force, the Japanese Army has shown its intention to continue equipping special variants of this fighter line.

Of the two versions that Tokyo could order, the F-35B is being mentioned as the most promising candidate, thanks to its short take-off and vertical landing capabilities (it can even reduce its weapons and fuel load to take off vertically when necessary), making it very convenient to deploy on Hyuga or Izumo-class amphibious assault ships.

In addition, another option being mentioned is that Japan will buy the F-35C - the short take-off and landing version used on real aircraft carriers, this is completely possible when Japan has just shown a graphic of the upgraded Izumo ship.

Helicopter destroyer Izumo.

The Izumo-class amphibious assault ship (called a helicopter destroyer in Japan) is up to 248 m long, with a full load displacement of 27,000 tons, its size is equivalent to some other medium-sized aircraft carriers.

Without the need to install a ski-jump-style take-off runway as shown in the graphic, Izumo is still capable of deploying F-35B fighters, but it seems the Japanese want their fighters to have an even longer range.

Thanks to the above upgrade package, Izumo is capable of carrying the F-35C, this version has a larger weapons load and fuel capacity than the F-35B equipped for the Marine Corps, significantly extending the "arm" of the Japanese Navy.

F-35B 5th generation stealth fighter - version equipped for the Marine Corps.

Japan's above plan will certainly make the Chinese Navy (PLAN) worried, considering all aspects such as operational experience and weapon and equipment features, the PLAN is still far behind.

Although the Liaoning and Type 001A aircraft carriers have larger displacements and carry more aircraft, the J-15 is not considered to be on par with the modern F-35B and F-35C.

In addition, it is not impossible that the Japanese intend to convert the remaining two smaller Hyuga-class DDHs into aircraft carriers like the Izumo. At that time, Tokyo will have four aircraft carrier battle groups carrying F-35 stealth fighters to be ready for any conflict situation that may occur in the future.

According to Danviet