Japan Lets Its New Defense Budget Do The Talking Over Island Dispute

TBI ^ | 2-2-2013 | Robert Johnson

[blam]

Japan Lets Its New Defense Budget Do The Talking Over Island Dispute

Robert Johnson
February 2, 2013, 5:11 AM

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) escort ship "Kurama" leads other vessels during a fleet review in water off Sagami Bay, south of Tokyo

Japan's prime minister announced his country will vigorously defend itself against all Chinese threats following a series of confrontations over the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu island chain.

Purchased by Japan, the islands' ownership is hotly contested by China, which for several months has sent ships, reconnaissance planes, and fighter jets to the area to face off against Japanese forces. It has become a tense and somewhat dangerous game, with no end in sight.

In response, Japan has increased its defense budget for the first time in 11 years with a focus on Coast Guard expansion and increased surveillance abilities.

The boost in spending is important and symbolic, though not terribly dramatic, rising only .08 percent over last year. It does, however, announce Tokyo's intent to China and any other country laying claim to the disputed island chain.

Increased military power is one of many changes to be ushered in by new Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who made these most recent remarks during a speech to Japan's Self-Defence Force's in the country's south.

From The Straits Times:

"The security environment surrounding our country is increasingly becoming more severe as we face provocation to our territorial rights," Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said.

"I will take the lead to stand up against the present danger and protect the people's lives and asset, as well as our land, the seas and the air at all costs."

(snip)

[staytrue]

The harrier can take off and land vertically depending on how much payload it is carrying.

They use a ski jump when fully loaded with bombs and fuel.

They land vertically after a mission has delivered the bombs and have less fuel.

[JerseyanExile]

It's a Hyuga-class helicopter carrier. They're built in Japan, and there are two in service. If fitted with a jump-ramp, it would be capable of flying Harriers. The Japanese are building two, much larger carriers, the 22DDH project. Those ships will be much larger and capable of handling F-35Bs. Here's a size comparison of the Hyuga and the 22DDH.

[staytrue]

The more I think about it, it has to be Japanese design and build.

Germany has not built a ship since Bismark. The Italians and French boats are floating jokes. The Japs would rather slit their thoats than buy from the chinese or russians.
The ships are not of US origin.

That would leave the English and the Japs. Both are island nations with long histories of powerful navies.

I see no reason for Japan to purchase from England though.

So I conclude, the ships are Japanese design and manufacture.