Japan Wants To Modify Its Ships To Carry F-35s

© REUTERS / Kim Kyung-Hoon

CNN: Japan preparing to put US-designed stealth jets on an 'aircraft carrier'

CNN)Japan is preparing an order for roughly 100 US-designed F-35 stealth fighter jets in a deal that could potentially upend the balance of power in Asia, according to sources familiar with the process.

That order would include a version of the jet that can take-off and land vertically, a feature that could prompt Japan to transform some of its existing ships into aircraft carriers so that it can operate the fighters at sea -- a capability they have not had since World War II, a source close to the F-35 program told CNN.

"With short take-off vertical landing capability you are now able to operate at sea. You are able to penetrate areas and reach ranges in a shorter distance which is an important capability," the source said.

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Update #1: Japan prepares to stand up first F-35 operational unit (Defense News)
Update #2: Japan reviewing purchase of 100 more U.S. F-35 fighter jets (UPI)

WNU Editor: China issues a warning to Japan .... Beijing Warns Tokyo Against Modifying Ships to Carry F-35s (Sputnik)