The Maritime Self-Defense Force is upgrading its Izumo and Kaga destroyers into de facto aircraft carriers, equipping them to operate the F-35B stealth fighter, which features short takeoff and vertical landing capabilities.
Performance tests conducted in October and November last year, with cooperation from the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, confirmed that the upgraded Kaga can accommodate the F-35B without issue.
The aircraft carrier is about power projection. Kinda weird for a “defensive” force to want some.
And exactly what do you expect them to use in a surprise kaiju attack?
We are living in times where countries are doing or threatening land grabs even to their supposed allies. I think this is a preemptive message of don’t fuck with.