Tora Tora Tora!!!!!

[monkspider]

Go IJN.

[Az]

[DinoDoc]

They still call it the Imperial Japanese Navy?

[Az]

I don't think so.

[DinoDoc]

Then what is MS talking about?

[Az]

He's being ironic. I think.

[MichaeltheGreat]

It's KJ or something similiar, not IJN. KaigunJieitai

[Cruddy]

Originally posted by Smiley

Japanese naval officers call the new ships "destroyers" instead of "aircraft carriers" in an effort to dampen opposition within Japan from critics who are against enhanced defense and from China and the two Koreas.

no comment

The UK govt pulled a similar stunt, referring to Invincible class carriers as "through deck cruisers".

Not as small as these proposed Japanese vessels - but again, primary role is ASW platform.

[Lonestar]

Originally posted by Drake Tungsten

*cough*North Korea*cough*

These carriers aren't meant to deal with North Korea; NK is well within the range of Japanese land-based air power. These carriers are meant for protecting sea lanes against an improving Chinese navy.

The DPRK has the fourth largest submarine fleet in the world. (mostly commando subs). STOVL carriers would, as has been pointed out, increase ASW capabilities while adding a modest combat role for the fleet.

[Drake Tungsten]

The DPRK has the fourth largest submarine fleet in the world. (mostly commando subs). STOVL carriers would, as has been pointed out, increase ASW capabilities while adding a modest combat role for the fleet.

I doubt these carriers are meant to counter North Korean subs; it'd be cheaper to beef up Japan's land-based ASW forces. No, I'm pretty sure this move is meant to counter China and its attempts to build a blue-water navy.

BTW, does anyone know if China ever bought that Kiev-class carrier off the Russians? I don't remember for sure.

It's KJ or something similiar, not IJN. KaigunJieitai

You could've given the English translation, MtG. As it is, only about 5 people on the board can read that.

[Lonestar]

It's called the JMSDF, as I said.

Or, "Japanese Maritime self-defense Force"

[Drake Tungsten]

That's what gaijin call it.

[Dr Strangelove]

The ships are neede to protect Japan's sea connection with it's Pacific island colonies. The biggest one is called "Australia" I believe.

[Dinner]

Originally posted by Sava
It's just like in that South Park episode, "Chinpoko mon"! They failed in their attempt to take over the youth of America with trendy cartoons and merchandise, so now they are building carriers to finish Pearl Harbor off!

I loved that episode. "We could never take over America because your penis is so much larger then ours."

[Lonestar]

Stan's Mom: You're just saying that to distract us!
*Japanese man drops pants.

"Oh...oh Jesus, I'm sorry."