Japans New Offensive Capability Upgrade: Izumo-class Helicopter Destroyer

The militarization of a country with a “peace constitution”

Japan, for 66 years, has had a “peace constitution,” meaning it cannot operate an active offensive military force, including ballistic missiles, aircraft carriers, and a marine corps. Japan’s current Prime Minister, Shinzō Abe, has overseen a major shift in Japanese policy these last four years towards militarization. Abe called for an amendment to the constitution permitting Japan to act offensively. “It’s been over 60 years since its enactment, and its contents have become obsolete” he said. The reason given for this amendment was a hypothetical situation in which U.S. forces come to the aid of either the Philippines, Taiwan, or one of the 6,800 Japanese islands, which were attacked by the Chinese. The proposal is logical, given China's aggressive behavior, but is a risky step that could escalate tensions further.

Japan recently circumvented their constitution and has begun to militarize before their constitutional monarchy has legally ratified the change. They built multiple “destroyers,” like the new Izumo class, which are, in reality, aircraft carriers, striking a nerve with some people after their preemptive attack on Pearl Harbor.

March 2015, Japan commissioned the JS-183 Izumo class aircraft carrier, its biggest warship in Japan’s fleet since World War II. Izumo, almost twice the displacement, at 30,000 tons (loaded), of its previous class of carriers, the Hyūga-class.

Both the Hyuga and Izumo class aircraft carriers will likely operate the F-35B along with some of the 25 Osprey tilt rotor aircraft that Japan has purchased. The Izumo class are capable of operating 28 aircraft in surge conditions.

Japan is also considering manufacturing and deploying short range ballistic missiles to defend the island chain.

These current hardware upgrades in its offensive capabilities coincide with the Japanese Self-Defense Force personnel being trained alongside U.S. Marines to pratice beach landings on remote islands.

While the U.S. is caught between a Pacific Pivot to help the Japanese prevent further Chinese expansion, and growing Russian aggression in Europe, it has given a welcomed nod to the Japanese to remilitarize.