Should China be worried about Japan’s maritime force overhaul?

Japan’s structural reform of its maritime force reflects a shift towards quasi-carrier operations and preparations for a potential conflict with Beijing, according to Chinese analysts. The Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) on Monday revamped its organisational structure to accelerate decision-making and improve ship operations, according to Kyodo News. The agency described the move as part of Japan’s efforts to strengthen defence amid China’s growing assertiveness. As part of the overhaul, the Fleet Escort Force, created in 1961 and long regarded as the backbone of Japan’s surface fleet, was formally abolished. In its place, the JMSDF established a new Fleet Surface Force to centrally command and control surface vessels. At the heart of the restructuring is the consolidation of four escort flotillas under the former Fleet Escort Force into three surface warfare groups under the new Fleet Surface Force. Chinese military analyst Fu Qianshao described the reorganisation as more than a name change. “It is a structural response to the expanding operational roles of Japan’s quasi-carrier platforms,” Fu said. In recent years, the JMSDF has been converting its two Izumo-class helicopter destroyers – the JS Izumo and JS Kaga – into de facto aircraft carriers, enabling them to operate F-35B Lightning II fighters, the short take-off and vertical landing variant of the Joint Strike Fighter. Japan received its first three F-35Bs in August last year, and these stealth aircraft will eventually be deployed aboard the modified JS Izumo and JS Kaga. Both ships were undergoing extensive refits to support F-35B operations, according to media reports. The two flat-tops will be the first Japanese warships to conduct fixed-wing carrier operations since World War II. “Regardless of their official designations, their basic function has become that of carriers capable of deploying F-35s,” Fu said. “Under these circumstances, the previous escort fleet structure became outdated, necessitating a new organisational adjustment.” Under the reorganisation, the JS Izumo and JS Kaga will serve as flagships for Surface Warfare Groups 1 and 2 respectively, while Surface Warfare Group 3 will be led by the JS Hyuga helicopter destroyer. By concentrating ships within fewer but larger formations, commanders will manage a broader asset pool, allowing maintenance, training and deployments to be handled more flexibly, according to a report by the online magazine The Diplomat in February. In other words, this is not a downsizing but a redesign of command units. Rather than four flotillas rotating as semi-independent packages, the JMSDF envisions three denser formations capable of generating tailored task groups as required, it reported. The maritime overhaul coincides with Japan’s deployment of long-range missiles and an increase in military spending exceeding ¥9 trillion (US$56.7 billion) for this year, as its ties with China have come under strain. Tensions flared after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in November suggested that Japan could take military action in the event of an attack on Taiwan, prompting strong protests as well as economic and diplomatic retaliation from Beijing. Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China to be reunited, by force if necessary. Most countries, including the United States and Japan, do not recognise Taiwan as an independent state, but Washington is opposed to any attempt to take the self-ruled island by force and is committed to supplying it with weapons. According to Fu, the purpose of the overhaul “is clearly to counter China. It is a clear indication that they are already making preparations for war.” “China must remain vigilant against the resurgence of militarism,” he added. Hu Bo, director of the South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative, a Beijing-based think tank, said the reform marked a step towards Japan’s military normalisation, with a focus on countering China. As part of the restructuring, the JMSDF established a new Amphibious and Mine Warfare Group, also placed under the Fleet Surface Force, replacing the previous Mine Warfare Force. The amphibious group was tasked with working alongside the Ground Self-Defence Force’s amphibious unit and would play a vital role in defending Japan’s Nansei island chain, which stretches southwest from Kyushu towards Taiwan, Kyodo reported. Fu said Beijing should be watchful as to whether Japan would strengthen mine warfare, particularly minelaying capabilities, to disrupt Beijing’s reunification goal with Taiwan or interfere with the transit of People’s Liberation Army warships through nearby waters.

Should China be worried about Japan’s maritime force overhaul?

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Reform reflects shift towards quasi-carrier operations and preparations for potential conflict with Beijing, Chinese analysts say

Reform reflects shift towards quasi-carrier operations and preparations for potential conflict with Beijing, Chinese analysts say