Japan's New Defense Plan Means Aircraft Carriers For Its Navy

A Japanese helicopter carrier, Kaga, trails behind Japanese destroyer Inazuma led by the British frigate HMS Argyll in the Indian Ocean; Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe hopes to upgrade the helicopter carriers so they can launch fighter jets

ABC News Online: Japan to launch first aircraft carriers since WWII as Government notes 'national rivalries are surfacing'

Tokyo will launch its first aircraft carriers since the end of World War II to accommodate a growing number of stealth fighters, long-range missiles and other equipment adding to the Japan Self-Defence Forces (JSDF).

The guidelines approved at a meeting of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's Cabinet call for refitting the Izumo helicopter carrier into a ship that can deploy expensive, US-made F-35B stealth fighters capable of short take-offs and vertical landings.

The work would be done over five years and the ship would carry 10 stealth fighters, while the refitting of a second helicopter carrier into a second aircraft carrier would follow.

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More News On Japan's New Defense Plan

Japan will get its first aircraft carriers since WWII and buy dozens of fighter jets in response to China's growing military power -- Daily Mail
Japan plans first aircraft carriers since World War II -- DW
Japan to spend more on defense, refit first aircraft carrier -- ABC News/AP
Japan to get first post-WWII aircraft carriers -- AFP
Japan beefs up defences amid concerns over China's military might -- The Guardian
Japan to have first aircraft carriers since World War II -- CNN
Japan defense plan calls for aircraft carriers at sea and vigilance in space and cyberspace -- Japan Times
Japan to acquire aircraft carrier and cruise missiles as it moves away from ‘image of pacifism’ -- The Independent
Japan to get first aircraft carriers since World War II as part of record $242bn defense plan -- RT
Upgrade Would Arm Japan With First Aircraft Carriers Since World War II -- The New York Times
There Is Only 1 Thing Stopping Japan from Building Real Aircraft Carriers -- Robert Farley, National Interest