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Japan is once again sending one of its two large helicopter carriers to the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, announced Wednesday, to try to maintain a presence in a region where China's maritime footprint is growing rapidly. 19659002] The Izumo-class Kaga will depart in September, making stops in Southeast Asia as well as in Indian and Sri Lankan ports, according to Reuters reports, citing two Japanese officials.
Izumo helicopter carriers, technically classified as destructive, are the largest class of ships of Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF). A former MSDF official said earlier this year that Izumo, the first ship in the class, was designed to be converted to an aircraft carrier with the stunt fighter's vertical takeoff version. 35.
The Asahi Shimbun also reported that the government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is considering redeveloping the ships so that they become full-fledged aircraft carriers, although such a measure may face legal obstacles. The constitution of Japan prohibits the country from deploying everything that is classified as an "offensive weapon".
For the time being, the Kaga, who will be accompanied by an escort and will be able to perform joint exercises during his tour, is able to
Japan has shown a certain cautious in its approach to naval activity in the region, refusing to take part in the United States' freedom of navigation operations near the Chinese-controlled islands in the South China Sea. On the other hand, the United Kingdom and France announced in early June that they will lead FONOPs in the region.
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