The nation's Maritime Self-Defence Force is reportedly planning to construct a new 284 metre long destroyer capable of transporting 14 helicopters, 4,000 people and 50 trucks.
..as well as transform itself into a giant robot
The purchase is part of a wider military build up in which the Defence Ministry has sought funds to purchase around 40 F-35 fighter jets which will become the future mainstay of the nation's air force, according to Kyodo News.
The new destroyer, which will become the largest in the nation's fleet of 52 vessels in the class, will also provide fuel to other carriers, transport servicemen and assist with emergencies and international peace keeping missiles.
"Helicopters are needed to seek out and keep an eye on submarines as well as to patrol surface ships from as far away as possible outside the range of enemy missiles," a defence ministry official told the Asahi Shimbun. "For those reasons, a large destroyer that can carry many helicopters is necessary."
Its primary function will be to patrol seas contested by China. Japan's neighbour has strengthened its naval capabilities and advanced destroyers armed with cruise missiles have been spotted near gas fields in the East China Sea.
Japan's defence expansion is also believed to be fuelled in part by growing tensions with North Korea over its nuclear weapons and refusal to rejoin multi-party disarmament talks.
| Context: A Wasp-class ship is 257 meters, according to Galrahn. So this is one big, um, 'destroyer'. I think that with their restrictive constitution Japan has to call every ship a destroyer, even if it's a helicopter carrier or heavy amphibious assault ship. |
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