JMSDF Belt Tightening

[Cloud Cover]

The JDF has had its budget cut by 8.6 billion USD. The JMSDF is going to implement the following changes:

4th Osumi Class LPD deferred.
Submarine Fleet reduced from 16 to 14 boats.
Destroyers and Frigates reduced from 54 ships to 47. [all modern]
Supply ships cut from 5 to 4.
Numerous smaller vessels to be deleted.
Possible deletion of some or all of the remaining Sea King fleet.

P3 ASW fleet reduced from 170 aircraft to 125.

New Additions:
2 more AEGIS Kongo Class [Batch2] to be added- 7700 ton. [total = 6]
5 new Hayabasa PTG patrol boat with 4 SSM-1b and Oto Melara 76mm Super Rapid [total =11]
New class of up to 4 - 1,900 ton LST. 

New Focus:
JMSDF will retain all missions currently assigned, it will simply have less resources to carry those missions out. In addition, the JMSDF will carry on more intensive training, preparation and deployment of amphibious forces for operations in support of Japanese foreign policy around the world- not necessarily limited to the requirement of the United Nations. Japan has no plans to change the nature of its commitment to operations in Iraq.

With these changes, the JMSDF will remain the second most powerful navy in the pacific theatre, excluding operations involving the use of nuclear weapons. [at this time].

Sources: Janes; IFR.

 

[Bruce Monkhouse]

I wonder if they have any ships for sale?

 

[Torlyn]

I don't think they'd mind selling us a few of those destroyers & frigates, would they? 

T

 

[Cdn Blackshirt]

The JDF has had its budget cut by 8.6 billion USD. The JMSDF is going to implement the following changes:

4th Osumi Class LPD deferred.
Submarine Fleet reduced from 16 to 14 boats.
Destroyers and Frigates reduced from 54 ships to 47. [all modern]
Supply ships cut from 5 to 4.
Numerous smaller vessels to be deleted.
Possible deletion of some or all of the remaining Sea King fleet.

P3 ASW fleet reduced from 170 aircraft to 125.

New Additions:
2 more AEGIS Kongo Class [Batch2] to be added- 7700 ton. [total = 6]
5 new Hayabasa PTG patrol boat with 4 SSM-1b and Oto Melara 76mm Super Rapid [total =11]
New class of up to 4 - 1,900 ton LST.  

New Focus:
JMSDF will retain all missions currently assigned, it will simply have less resources to carry those missions out. In addition, the JMSDF will carry on more intensive training, preparation and deployment of amphibious forces for operations in support of Japanese foreign policy around the world- not necessarily limited to the requirement of the United Nations. Japan has no plans to change the nature of its commitment to operations in Iraq.

With these changes, the JMSDF will remain the second most powerful navy in the pacific theatre, excluding operations involving the use of nuclear weapons. [at this time].

Sources: Janes; IFR.

They'll probably cut the (2) Haruna-class DDG's which were built in 1973 and scheduled to be retired prior to 2010 anyway.

Same with the (3) Tachikaze-class DDG's which were built from 1973-1979 which were due to be retired prior to 2010.

It also looks like they've got some older mismatched "Destroyer Escorts" that wouldn't be a real loss.

Short Version:  On first glance, if they cut (7) older destroyers and frigates, add (2) Kongo's (I wish we could afford these), (4) LST's and some patrol boats, they are way ahead of the game.

Of note, I checked the ROK Naval plans and they look very interesting going forward too.  Specifically, their new LPX (LHD) which just launched last week is very cool.  If only it had hangar facilities....


Matthew.