LDP asks Japan to introduce defensive aircraft carrier

March 20, 2018

Tokyo- Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party came up with draft proposals Tuesday calling on the country to introduce a multi-mission "defensive" aircraft carrier and the US military's F-35B stealth fighter jet capable of short takeoffs and vertical landings.

The LDP's Research Commission on National Security included the proposals in its draft recommendations as the government is set to update its basic defense policy guidelines and medium-term defense buildup program late this year. The recommendations are expected to be finalized in May.

The government is considering the possibility of upgrading the Maritime Self-Defense Force's Izumo destroyer to an aircraft carrier and using it for the operations of the F-35Bs.

The LDP's proposals support the government's plans, sources familiar with the situation said.

The LDP is considering utilizing the proposed aircraft carrier to strengthen the country's capability to defend remote islands and respond to natural disasters.

Under the government's interpretation of the country's constitution, Japan is banned from possessing offensive aircraft carriers in light of its exclusively defense-oriented security policy.

The proposed aircraft carrier is not offensive, Gen Nakatani, chairman of the LDP commission, told reporters.

The draft recommendations also called on the government to study the possibility of acquiring the ability to attack enemy bases, such as missile bases. Jiji Press