Japan Reiterates Not Building, No Plans for Aircraft Carrier

The Japanese Ministry of Defence (MoD) has clarified that the country is currently not looking to acquire an aircraft carrier, nor is it exploring the possibility of operating one for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

Speaking with IHS Jane's on 15 January, an MoD spokesperson denied Japanese media reports citing numerous unnamed MoD sources that claimed the JMSDF is considering building an aircraft carrier equipped with fighter aircraft. The spokesperson also reiterated the government's view on Article 9 of its Constitution that the Japanese Self-Defense Force (SDF) was not allowed to possess intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), long-range strategic bombers or offensive aircraft carriers.

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The Izumo class is NOT a carrier!  Really!  Believe us!  Because we said so!

If the Chinese get more aggressive I can see the Japanese buying F-35Bs...