By Wang Zeyan, Zhang Li
Recently, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) launched the Yoshii, the 12th and final Mogami-class frigate. Subsequently, Japan will shift its focus to constructing a new, more advanced type of FFM multi-role frigates. In pursuit of long-range strike and power-projection capabilities, the JMSDF is accelerating the restructuring and upgrading of its main combat forces. Through reforms in fleet composition and the development and deployment of offensive weapons, aims to establish a so-called "new maritime combat system that integrates short- and long-range capabilities with both offense and defense functions". This has intensified concerns within the international community about Japan potentially returning to the sinister path of militarism.
Large-scale organizational restructuring to strengthen maritime combat capabilities
As the main force of the JMSDF, the Self-Defense Fleet comprises units such as Fleet Escort Force, Fleet Air Force, Fleet Submarine Force, and Mine Warfare Force. For a long time, these forces operated independently. However, Japan believes that the current organizational structure no longer meets the demands of the modern battlefield and operational requirements, necessitating reforms and restructuring. According to the reorganization plan, the majority of surface vessels have been reorganized into several "combat groups" based on operational needs and ship capabilities: the Fleet Escort Fleet will be abolished, with its four escort divisions restructured into three "Surface Battle Groups", serving as frontline elite forces for naval warfare missions; the "Patrol Defense Group" consists of retired destroyers, missile frigates, and other vessels assigned to regional fleets, tasked with routine surveillance and monitoring of JMSDF bases and surrounding waters; and the "Amphibious Mine Warfare Group" incorporates existing mine-countermeasure and transport vessels, focusing on mine-laying, mine-clearing, amphibious operations, and maritime transportation missions.
In recent years, to enhance deterrence capabilities, Japan has upgraded and converted two Izumo-class helicopter carries into light aircraft carriers, focusing on conducting takeoff and landing tests for F-35B fighter jets. It is reported that the flight deck modifications of the two light aircraft carriers have been completed. Initially, the Izumo-class had a narrow flight deck area at the rear with only one elevator, making aircraft takeoff, landing, and hangar operations extremely inconvenient. Therefore, the flight deck area has been expanded outward from the side. To prevent danger from the high-temperature exhaust airflow generated by the F-35B fighter jets, the Izumo-class carriers have also been fitted with heat-resistant coatings on the flight deck. The development of the Mogami-class frigates is a crucial part of the JMSDF's efforts to optimize combat power. These frigates are equipped with Type 03 medium-range surface-to-air missiles, Type 12 anti-ship missiles, and anti-submarine warfare equipment. They are capable of performing not only surveillance and monitoring tasks in low-intensity environments such as "gray-zone situations" but also missions like island defense and maritime transportation, primarily in the southwestern region.
Equipped with offensive missiles to provide stand-off strike capabilities
Japan is planning to equip its current submarines with external vertical launch modules, granting them the capability to launch long-range missiles from underwater. The Soryu-class and Taigei-class submarines are regarded as key nodes in achieving cross-domain joint operations, particularly, the Taigei-class submarines, which are powered by lithium-ion batteries, offering improved stealth performance. Their initial design also allows for modular upgrades. The submarine vertical launch system will support the launch of multiple types of missiles, including the improved Type 12 anti-ship missiles and Tomahawk cruise missiles. The technical verification is expected to be completed by 2027, with deployment to the forces by 2030. Once deployed, the vertical launch-capable submarines are likely to be stationed at the Kure and Yokosuka bases to enhance the blockade capability in the Miyako and Bashi Channels. In addition, the US-manufactured Tomahawk cruise missiles will gradually be deployed on the JMSDF's Aegis destroyers. These missiles are highly intelligent, possess significant strike capability, and employ inertial and GPS guidance. During cruise, they can rely on satellite data links to change targets in real-time and accurately destroy them from over 1,500 kilometers away, significantly enhancing the JMSDF's long-range attack capabilities.
For a long time, Japan has continuously hyped up "emergency situations" in an attempt to deceive the world, using this as a pretext to persistently promote the expansion of the Self-Defense Forces’ military capabilities. These dangerous measures not only pose a serious threat to regional and international peace and stability, but are also eroding the foundation of trust from neighboring countries and the world in Japan. Japan must earnestly face up to and deeply reflect on its history of aggression, thoroughly breaking with militarism. Otherwise, it will inevitably face a renewed reckoning by the international community.
(The authors are from the Chinese PLA Army Engineering University.)