Amid China’s increased maritime assertiveness, Japan plans to put fighter jets on its aircraft carriers for the first time since 1945

Upgrading helicopter carriers to transport warplanes risks being construed as a shift away from the country’s strictly defence-oriented policy

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New F-35B fighters jets could be deployed aboard Japan’s aircraft carriers. Photo: EPA

Published: 6:08pm, 11 Dec 2018Updated: 6:08pm, 11 Dec 2018

Japan plans to upgrade its helicopter carriers to transport and launch fighter jets as China becomes increasingly assertive in the waters around the East Asian archipelago.

On Tuesday, the country’s ruling parties approved new draft guidelines presented by the government that said Japan will “enable fighter jets to be operated from existing warships, if necessary, to improve the flexibility of their operation”.

Specifically, the government is looking to upgrade the Izumo, a flat-top destroyer that currently accommodates helicopters, in the face of China’s moves as well as to enhance its air defence capabilities in the Pacific Ocean where Japan has no bases.

Helicopter carrier Izumo. Photo: Reuters

However, transforming the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force warship into an aircraft carrier could draw criticism as it may be construed as a shift away from the country’s strictly defence-oriented policy.

Under Japan’s pacifist constitution, the government has maintained it cannot possess “attack aircraft carriers” as they are among what can be deemed offensive weapons exceeding what is necessary for self-defence.

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner Komeito Party agreed on Tuesday to draft a statement to make sure the modified Izumo would fall within the scope of Japan’s exclusively defence-oriented policy.