Japan Is Considering Converting Its Helicopter Carriers Into Aircraft Carriers

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Popular Mechanics: Japan Considers Converting Ships to Aircraft Carriers

The country’s new “helicopter destroyers” could fly American F-35B fighter jets.

Japan, once a world leader in aircraft carriers, is preparing to wade back into the world of fixed wing aviation. The Pacific country, which swore off flat-tops in the aftermath of World War II, is preparing to reverse decades of government policy and add fighter planes to so-called “helicopter destroyers" to counter Chinese air power.

At the time of the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, Japan was an aircraft carrier superpower. Japan had more carriers than any other country, including the United States, and its pilots were trained to a high standard by years of war. A little more than four years later, all but one of Japan’s carriers were on the bottom of the ocean, and most of the pilots had been killed in battle.

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WNU Editor: China is responding .... China upset at Japan's plan to buy F-35B stealth fighter 'jump jets' for its helicopter carriers (NEWS.com.au). More here .... China warns Japan against modifying helicopter carriers (UPI)

More News On Reports That Japan Is Considering Converting Its Helicopter Carriers Into Aircraft Carriers

Japan And South Korea Eye F-35B For Their Helicopter Carriers -- The Drive
Japan may refit copter carrier to carry F-35B stealth fighters -- The Straits Times
Get Ready, North Korea: Japan's Navy Has 'Aircraft Carriers' -- National Interest
Japan Eyes Buying More F-35s, and an Aircraft Carrier to Transport Them -- Sputnik International
Making Izumo an aircraft carrier would boost alliance -- Japan News