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Evangeline Anovilis

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Confidential

 

With the Kokumin Hoshutō in power once again, as well as in control of the Fleet Ministry, the coalition would increase the budget of the Fleet again, to a reasonable level. This also was coupled with a positive reply from Tianxia, indicating a possible return of Japanese ships to Japan, which would be quite a few cost savings, possibly even paying for the few ships that had been ordered and partially constructed, when the crisis took out Japanese home rule.

 

With a rise in the military budget would come a reorientation. The focus of Japanese military policy shifted away from the other side of the Atlantic and towards the East Asian theatre. With Tianxia in decline and an anti-Japanese Korean dictatorship, it was quite clear where threats to Japanese security were likely to originate these days. Regional stability was no longer guaranteed and it was to be hoped, that the crisis on the continent did not massively disturb the island nation. Nevertheless, the politicians rather were prepared and for this, the military would need to be rebuilt to a decent size.

Edited by Evangeline Anovilis
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Under cheers from an excited public, the Japanese nation greeted its returning fleet, as the last fleet carriers reached the Yokosuka Naval Base. While the Carrier Incident still lingered in the minds of many, the return of the fleet was still a grand event, given it meant not only that much money had been saved that otherwise would have gone into a new fleet, but also that at a time when Tianxia was occupied with itself, Japan could at least work on ensuring safety for its own sealanes. Not to mention that any drastic changes on the continent, in Tianxia, but also the recent Korean communism, were potential threats to Japanese security. The festivities also served however a purpose other than the celebration of Japanese naval power, pride of a nation, as Prime Minister Akiyama used them to officially rechristen the carriers, as had been promised to the Tianxia regency government. In a public speech, Akiyama stated that "We have to take seriously the relations to our neighbours and the world at large and need to keep in mind the idea on which our country has been founded, as a nation of Japanese, not an Imperial power. Similarly, we must not forget the purpose of our Fleet and must take seriously the way our Fleet conducts itself, as a guarantor of peace and security, not as a source of destruction and misery."

 

The new ship names thus are, for all carriers...

  • Hakuryū (白White Dragon), formerly Sōryū (蒼龍 Blue Dragon)
  • Kokuryū (黒 Black Dragon), formerly Hiryū (飛龍 Flying Dragon)
  • Jin'ryū (仁Benevolent Dragon), formerly Shōkaku (翔鶴 Soaring Crane)
  • Zuiryū (瑞龍 Auspicious Dragon), formerly Zuikaku (瑞鶴 Auspicious Crane)
  • Mihō (美鳳 Beautiful Phoenix), formerly Hōshō (鳳翔 Soaring Phoenix)
  • Shu(朱鳳 Vermillion Phoenix), formerly Shōhō (祥鳳 Happy Phoenix)
  • Kō(紅鳳 Crimson Phoenix), formerly Zuihō (瑞鳳 Auspicious Phoenix)
  • Yūhō (勇鳳 Fierce Phoenix), formerly Ryūhō (龍鳳 Dragon Phoenix)

Following old Japanese tradition, yet not tarnished by a belligerent past, the new names represented the hopes and feelings of the conservative government that named them. As all fleet carriers were named with the character for "dragon" and all auxiliary carriers with the character for "phoenix", the character for "crane" would be planned to be used for the next two carriers to ever be procurred.

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Confidential

 

Nihon Rikugun (Japanese Army)

 

The Nihon Rikugun is the Army of the Japanese nation. As part of the Nihongun it shares the responsibility to protect the Japanese people from foreign threats, to assist in upholding Japanese sovereignity in Japanese territory and to assist civil authorities in case of emergency and natural disaster. The Nihon Rikugun is administered by the Ministry of Defence (Bōei-shō), which also oversees the Joint Staff Council (Tōgō Bakuryō Kaigi) for operational command of the Army and Air Force (the Naval Forces being organised under the Ministry of the Fleet). The Nihon Rikugun has about 800,000 servicemen, which are recruited as professional soldiers. Draft laws are in place, but only exercised in severe cases and due to not being enforced, of hardly any importance.

 

The Nihon Rikugun has been organised in five Area Armies (Hōmengun), which are responsible for the defense of the Interior Territories of the Japanese nation. These armies are:

  • Hokubu Hōmengun (Northern Area Army, responsible for Hokkaido, Hoppo Ryodo, Chishima and Karafuto, HQ in Sapporo, Hokkaido)
  • Tōhoku Hōmengun (Northeastern Area Army, responsible for Tōhoku, HQ in Sendai, Miyagi)
  • Tōbu Hōmengun (Eastern Area Army, responsible for Kantō and Northern Chūbu, HQ in Nerima, Tokyo)
  • Chūbun Hōmengun (Central Area Army, responsible for Kansai, Southern Chūbu, Shikoku and Chūgoku, HQ in Itami, Hyōgo)
  • Seibu Hōmengun (Western Area Army, responsible for Kyushu and Tsushima, HQ in Kumamoto, Kumamoto)

Additionally, the Nihon Rikugun has three army commands reserved for potential deployment to critical locations or overseas. These are:

  • Dai-ichi Sōgun (First General Army, stationed in the Home islands)
  • Dai-ni Sōgun (Second General Army, stationed in the Home islands)
  • Dai-san Sōgun (Third General Army, stationed in the Home Islands)

Lastly, the Nihon Rikugun has the Bōei Soshireibu (General Defence Command), which administers all units that are not assigned to any army command and held in reserve.

 

The Nihon Rikugun has been recently increased in strength from its previous 550,000 to 800,000, due to the increased security threat from the Korean Peninsula and uncertainty over general East Asian future foreign policy. The Army also will go reorganisation, in order to take into account new developments and to improve its effectiveness in the field. It is expected that in cooperation with the TRDI and military industry the Japanese units will be brought up to par, allowing for effective defense of the Japanese nation and its independence. Officer training for the Nihon Rikugun is conducted at the National Defence Academy (Bōei Daigakkō).

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Nihon Kaigun (Japanese Navy)
 
The Nihon Kaigun constitutes the Naval Forces of the Japanese nation. Although part of the Nihongun, sharing the responsibility to protect the Japanese people, the Nihon Kaigun is administered by the Ministry of the Fleet (Kaigun-shō), which also oversees the Joint Staff Council (Tōgō Bakuryō Kaigi) in concert with the Ministry of the Defence. Given the special nature of Japan as an island nation with strong dependence on trade, the Nihon Kaigun is given much attention as a military branch and apart from naval vessels, it also has its own ground forces - the Naval Land Forces (Kaigun Rikusentai) and Marines (Kaiheitai), numbering around 70,000 - and aerial forces - the Naval Air Service (Kaigun Kōkūtai). As the Nihon Kaigun is administered by its own ministry, it also has its own military police force (Kaigun Keimutai) and its own intelligence service - the Naval Intelligence Bureau (Kaigun Jōhōkyoku).
 
The Fleet currently posesses 137 vessels (42 of which are not commissioned):

  • 4 Fleet carriers
  • 4 Auxiliary carriers
  • 2 Helicopter carriers
  • 6 Battleships
  • 4 Battlecruisers
  • 4 Heavy destroyers
  • 6 Guided missile destroyers (16 not commissioned)
  • 14 Light destroyers (6 not commissioned)
  • 6 Destroyer escorts (30 not commissioned)
  • 4 Supply ships
  • 2 Training vessels
  • 8 nuclear attack submarines
  • 20 diesel-electric attack submarines
  • Sailing ship Nihon Maru

The Nihon Kaigun has five Naval Districts for the Interior territories and one Guard District for the Exterior territory of the Nan'yō-chō. These Districts are:

  • Yokosuka Naval District (based Yokosuka Naval Base, responsible for the Pacific coastline)
  • Kure Naval District (based Kure Naval Base, responsible for the Inland Sea)
  • Sasebo Naval District (based Sasebo Naval Base, responsible for the Tsushima Strait and the East China Sea)
  • Maizuru Naval District (based Maizuru Naval Base, responsible for the Sea of Japan)
  • Ōminato Naval District (based Ōminato Naval Base, responsible for Tsugaru Strait, Soya Strait and the protection of the northern territories)
  • Nan'yō Guard District (based in Majuro Naval Base, responsible for the protection of the South Seas Territory)

Each of the five main Naval bases operates a Naval Arsenal, combining steel foundries, shipyards and manufacturies for naval weaponry. As a special case, Ōminato Naval Arsenal does not operate a steel foundry or shipyard, with these capacities being provided in Muroran. The five main naval districts are centered around the primary bases, however outlying subordinated bases exist. Naval districts are operated by both Kaigun and Coast Guard, with only the latter having a fixed presence.
 
Apart from the District Fleets (each consisting out of one guided missile destroyers and two destroyer escorts), the Nihon Kaigun has two fleets, both stationed at Yokosuka.
 
First Fleet (Dai-ichi Kantei)

  • I. Carrier Division
    • Hakuryū (Hakuryū-class fleet carrier)
    • Kokuryū (Hakuryū-class fleet carrier)
  • II. Carrier Division
    • Jin'ryū (Jin'ryū-class fleet carrier)
    • Zuiryū (Jin'ryū-class fleet carrier)
  • III. Carrier Division
    • Mihō (Mihō-class auxiliary carrier)
    • Shu (Mihō-class auxiliary carrier)
  • IV. Carrier Division
    • Kō (Mihō-class auxiliary carrier)
    • Yūhō (Mihō-class auxiliary carrier)
  • I. Battleship Division
    • Mutsu (Mutsu-class battleship)
    • Dewa (Mutsu-class battleship)
  • II. Battleship Division
    • Shinano (Shinano-class battleship)
    • Kaga (Shinano-class battleship)
  • III. Battleship Division
    • Hyūga (Shinano-class battleship)
    • Tosa (Shinano-class battleship)
  • I. Cruiser Division
    • Myōkō (Myōkō-class battlecruiser)
    • Chōkai (Myōkō-class battlecruiser)
  • III. Destroyer Squadron
    • Akizuki (Akizuki-class light destroyer)
    • Teruzuki (Akizuki-class light destroyer)
    • Suzutsuki (Akizuki-class light destroyer)
  • IV. Destroyer Squadron
    • Hatsuzuki (Akizuki-class light destroyer)
    • Niizuki (Akizuki-class light destroyer)
    • Wakatsuki (Akizuki-class light destroyer)
  • I. Supply Unit
    • Mashu (Mashu-class replenishment ship)
    • Omi (Mashu-class replenishment ship)
  • II. Supply Unit
    • Hachirō (Mashu-class replenishment ship)
    • Akkeshi (Mashu-class replenishment ship)

Second Fleet (Dai-ni Kantai)

  • I. Destroyer Squadron
    • Suzuya (Suzuya-class heavy destroyer)
    • Kumano (Suzuya-class heavy destroyer)
  • II. Destroyer Squadron
    • Mogami (Suzuya-class heavy destroyer)
    • Mikuma (Suzuya-class heavy destroyer)
  • V. Destroyer Squadron
    • Shiokaze (Shiokaze-class light destroyer)
    • Shimakaze (Shiokaze-class light destroyer)
    • Akikaze (Shiokaze-class light destroyer)
    • Okikaze (Shiokaze-class light destroyer)
  • VI. Destroyer Squadron
    • Hakaze (Shiokaze-class light destroyer)
    • Yakaze (Shiokaze-class light destroyer)
    • Hokaze (Shiokaze-class light destroyer)
    • Nokaze (Shiokaze-class light destroyer)

Unassigned ships are either in the Reserve Fleet or are special ships (training vessels, sailing vessel). Submarines are organised in individual units with three crews per ship to take turns.

 

Navial aviation capabilities are provided by the Kaigun Kōkūtai, which is currently organised into Air Fleets (Kōkū Kantai), consisting out of a Carrier Division (Kōkū Sentai) and the assigned Attack Squadrons (Kōgekitai).

 

Training facilities for the Kaigun Rikusentai and Kaiheitai are near their naval main bases, however, officers are educated at Etajima Naval Academy. Land-based aviation training is mostly conducted at air bases Atsugi and Iwakuni.

 

[spoiler]

OOC: Up to now, there has been a certain vagueness about the classification of ships, with pretty much everything that is a combat vessel, but not a submarine, not primarily an aviation vessel and not equipped with 360+ mm guns being referred to as destroyer of whatever sort. From this post on, these classifications will be unified, resulting in the following four classes of "destroyers":

 

Heavy Destroyers: ~11,000-17,000 tons, counted as destroyers (similar to the Zumwalt)

Guided Missile Destroyers: ~6,500-9,500 tons, counted as destroyers (similar to an Arleigh Burke)

Light Destroyers: ~4,000-6,500 tons, counted as frigates

Destroyer Escorts: ~1,000-4,000 tons, counted as corvettes

 

I utilise ships in these brackets, even if they are IRL classed differently (e.g. the Akizuki-class is a general-purpose destroyer, while the Abukuma-class is classed as an equivalent of a frigate), mostly, because these ships exhibit in my opinion more the characteristics of a nominally less-capable category, than the characteristics of the category the JMSDF is classing them as, in tonnage, as well as capabilities (the Akizuki is closer to other navies' frigates[1][2][3][4][5], than to a full destroyer, the Abukuma-class is closer to a corvette[1][2][3][4][5] than to a frigate, partly the ships I compared them to are better than them).

[/spoiler]

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Confidential

 

Nihon Kūgun (Japanese Air Force)

 

The Nihon Kūgun is the independent aviation service of the Nihongun, tasked with defending the Japanese airspace and contesting enemy air dominance, ideally securing air supremacy over battlespace to support troops on the ground. The Nihon Kūgun operates from a plentitude of air bases throughout the Japanese nation and is not only tasked with the handling of most land-based aircraft, but also with the Japanese Aerospace Defence System of fixed anti-air missile systems, ballistic missile defense and long-range AA/ABM radar observation. The Kūgun does however control neither maritime patrol missions (part of the Kaigun Kōkūtai), nor mobile AA systems (part of the Nihon Rikugun).

 

In order to defend the Japanese airspace, the Nihon Kūgun is structured into three Area Air Command:

  • Northern Area Air Command (Hokubu Kōkū Homentai, based Sapporo, Hokkaido)
  • Central Area Air Command (Chūbu Kōkū Homentai, based Iruma, Saitama)
  • Western Area Air Command (Seibu Kōkū Homentai, based Kasuga, Fukuoka)

There also exists the Nan'yō Air Command (Nan'yō Kōkūtai) which is tasked with defending the Nan'yō territory.

 

The inventory of the Nihon Kūgun includes the following aircraft:

  • 480 F-2A multirole fighter
  • 36 F-2B two-seat trainer aircraft
  • 480 F-15J Kai air superiority fighter
  • 240 F-15J Kai Ni multirole fighter
  • 36 F-15DJ two-seat training aircraft
  • 60 F-4R multirole fighter
  • 180 F-3 air superiority fighter
  • 50 C-2 tactical/strategic airlift
  • 12 KC-767J aerial refueling aircraft
  • 24 E-767 AEW&C aircraft
  • 200 T-4 trainer aircraft
  • 180 T-7 trainer aircraft
  • 48 B-1 strategic bomber aircraft

The Nihon Kūgun is expected to continue using its existing fleet of high-performing 4th generation fighter aircraft for the near future, though plans are made to increase the number of 5th generation F-3 and F-4R air superiority aircraft to defend the Japanese airspace, depending on international developments. The current capabilities of the Nihon Kūgun are described as "lacking" and it is hoped that increases in the number of 5th generation fighters will allow for a better defensive position of the Japanese nation. A noted issue of the high-grade F-3 and F-4R aircraft has been the lack of internal strike weaponry (two of the four internal hardpoints can be equipped with either one 500 kg bomb, one anti-armour missile or 4 SDBs each), which is hoped to be rectified by the planned limited acquisition of larger high-capability fighters. These Shinonono XF-5 aircraft have been under development for years, however, the problems in the last decade have led to considerable delays. Due to the development costs, the design criteria changed multiple times and it is expected now that not only will the new fighter use technology from the smaller F-3 and F-4 air superiority fighters, but also, the finalised F-5 will have to be used by both Kūgun and Kaigun Kōkūtai, which has noted a lack of dedicated strike capabilities among its pure F-4 inventory as well.

 

The B-1 fleet is expected to be expanded only in limited numbers, due to plans of using the platform of the B-1 for additional tasks.

 

[hr]

 

Notes on Aircraft:

 

Mitsubishi F-2

 

The Mitsubishi F-2 is an advanced 4th generation multirole fighter, capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground operations.

 

Mitsubishi F-15J Kai/Kai Ni

 

The Mitsubishi F-15J Kai is the main 4th generation air superiority fighter of the Japanese Air Force and mostly used for patrolling the Japanese airspace and to prevent intrusions into it. The improved Kai version posesses not only an upgraded engine and electronics, but also a new J/APG-3 AESA radar system. Based on the F-15J Kai and the F-15DJ, the F-15J Kai Ni is a twin-seat multirole fighter. Analogous to the development of the F-15E Strike Eagle from the original F-15, the F-15J Kai Ni has been strengthened in its airframe and been fitted with more weapon stations for air-to-ground operations, a role that has not been deemed important during the original planning of the F-15J. The F-15J Kai Ni thus, in contrast to the F-15J Kai, can carry a greater arsenal of more capable air-to-ground weapons, including, but not limited to guided stand-off weaponry, such as the ASSM-3. The F-15J Kai Ni also inherits much of the advanced avionics from the F-15J Kai.

 

Mitsubishi F-3 Shinshin

 

The Mitsubishi F-3 Shinshin is the main land-based high-capability air superiority fighter of the Japanese Air Force. A fifth generation design, it has four internal weapon stations in two weapon bays, which can be fitted with either an air-to-air outload of 4 AAMs or 2 AAMs and 2 500 kg bombs/2 anti-tank missiles/8 SDBs. Newer F-3 Shinshins are expected to be able to fit two AAMs to the heavy weapon hardpoint, which could potentially increase the amount of AAMs internally carried per fighter to six. The Shinshin has to carry all larger air-to-surface weaponry externally, which increases its RCS significantly.

 

Mitsubishi F-4R Shinryū

 

The Mitsubishi F-4R is a development of the F-4 Shinryu. As a stop-gap measure, 60 units of this version have been built, to equip the Japanese Air Force with 5th generation aircraft prior to the introduction of the F-3. The F-4R is similar to the F-4, however it lacks the modifications necessary for carrier landings, as it is supposed to utilise conventional runways. The F-4R is lighter than the F-4 and can carry 500 kg bombs, instead of the 250 kg bombs carried by the F-4. The F-3, F-4 and F-4R share many parts and characteristics, being small, lightweight, aircraft with high thrust/weight ratios, incredible speed, exceptional maneuverability and good climb rates. While the Kaigun favors the usage of catapults, the F-4 is STOBAR capable. The F-4R naturally lacks the necessary landing-gear.

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As the Nihon Kaigun reorganises its forces, the Diet has finally approved the acquisition of all ships ordered prior to the Carrier Incident. While the costs are immense, the government is hoping to pay it off over the coming years, as defense spending is planned to be rising to a 8% of the GDP for this year, 7% the next five years and 5% for the subsequent years. With this decision, there remain no further issues between the Japanese state and the nation's ship-building industry. At the same time, Prime Minister Akiyama has announced plans to acquisition three new carriers, though it is unclear whether these will be constructed by domestic firms or foreign ones.

 

Ships that have now been commissioned are no less than 16 guided missile destroyers, 6 light destroyers and 30 new destroyer escorts. The total of over 50 ships is planned to increase the strength of the Nihon Kaigun greatly, adding highly valuable AAW and ASW capabilities to the fleet.

 

[hr]

 

Confidential

 

Yūbari-class guided missile destroyer

  • Yahagi
  • Jinzū
  • Naka
  • Tenryū
  • Anano
  • Kurobe
  • Shō
  • Shōnai
  • Nagara
  • Oyabe
  • Hime
  • Shibetsu
  • Kakehashi
  • Mitsuishi
  • Tokoro
  • Teshio

Akizuki-class light destroyer

  • Shimotsuki
  • Fuyutsuki
  • Harutsuki
  • Yoizuki
  • Natsuzuki
  • Michitsuki

Matsu-class Block II/Kikyō-subclass destroyer escort

 

The Matsu Block II has no longer just a gun-based CIWS, but also a Mk 31 21-round Rolling Airframe Missile Launcher. It also is fitted with an updated electronics suit and four 12.7 mm heavy machine guns.

  • Kikyō
  • Yuri
  • Ayame
  • Kaidō
  • Sugi
  • Maki
  • Momi
  • Kashi
  • Wakatake
  • Kuretake
  • Sanae
  • Sarawabi
  • Yaezakura
  • Kaya
  • Nara
  • Yadake
  • Madake
  • Kuzu
  • Sakura
  • Yannagi
  • Tsubaki
  • Kaki
  • Kaba
  • Hayaume
  • Hinoki
  • Kakitsubata
  • Omotaka
  • Bashō
  • Tachibana
  • Yomogi
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Confidential
 
With the new surface combattants commissioned, the Nihon Kaigun has reorganised its force structure as following:
 
[spoiler]
Combined Fleet (Rengō Kantei)

  • First Air Fleet (Dai-ichi Kōkū Kantei)
    • I. Carrier Division
      • Hakuryū (Hakuryū-class fleet carrier)
      • Kokuryū (Hakuryū-class fleet carrier)
    • III. Carrier Division
      • Mihō (Mihō-class auxiliary carrier)
      • Shuhō (Mihō-class auxiliary carrier)
    • XV. Destroyer Squadron
      • Yahagi (Yūbari-class guided missile destroyer)
      • Jinzū (Yūbari-class guided missile destroyer)
      • Naka (Yūbari-class guided missile destroyer)
  • Second Air Fleet (Dai-ni Kōkū Kantei)
    • II. Carrier Division
      • Jin'ryū (Jin'ryū-class fleet carrier)
      • Zuiryū (Jin'ryū-class fleet carrier)
    • IV. Carrier Division
      • Kōhō (Mihō-class auxiliary carrier)
      • Yūhō (Mihō-class auxiliary carrier)
    • XVI. Destroyer Squadron
      • Shō (Yūbari-class guided missile destroyer)
      • Shōnai (Yūbari-class guided missile destroyer)
      • Nagara (Yūbari-class guided missile destroyer)
  • Third Air Fleet (Dai-san Kōkū Kantei)
    • III. Carrier Division
      • #138 (Project 138-class carrier)
      • #139 (Project 138-class carrier)
      • #140 (Project 138-class carrier)
    • XVII. Destroyer Squadron
      • Oyabe (Yūbari-class guided missile destroyer)
      • Hime (Yūbari-class guided missile destroyer)
      • Shibetsu (Yūbari-class guided missile destroyer)
      • Teshio (Yūbari-class guided missile destroyer)
  • First Fleet (Dai-ichi Kantei)
    • I. Battleship Division
      • Mutsu (Mutsu-class battleship)
      • Dewa (Mutsu-class battleship)
    • II. Battleship Division
      • Shinano (Shinano-class battleship)
      • Kaga (Shinano-class battleship)
    • III. Battleship Division
      • Hyūga (Shinano-class battleship)
      • Tosa (Shinano-class battleship)
    • IV. Battleship Division
      • #155 (Project #155-class battleship)
      • #156 (Project #155-class battleship)
    • I. Cruiser Division
      • Myōkō (Myōkō-class battlecruiser)
      • Chōkai (Myōkō-class battlecruiser)
    • II. Cruiser Division
      • #149 (Myōkō-class battlecruiser)
      • #150 (Myōkō-class battlecruiser)
    • III. Cruiser Division
      • #151 (Project 151-class battlecruiser)
      • #152 (Project 151-class battlecruiser)
    • IV. Cruiser Division
      • #153 (Project 151-class battlecruiser)
      • #154 (Project 151-class battlecruiser)
    • III. Destroyer Squadron
      • Akizuki (Akizuki-class light destroyer)
      • Teruzuki (Akizuki-class light destroyer)
      • Suzutsuki (Akizuki-class light destroyer)
    • IV. Destroyer Squadron
      • Hatsuzuki (Akizuki-class light destroyer)
      • Niizuki (Akizuki-class light destroyer)
      • Wakatsuki (Akizuki-class light destroyer)
    • I. Supply Unit
      • Mashu (Mashu-class replenishment ship)
      • Omi (Mashu-class replenishment ship)
    • V. Destroyer Squadron
      • Yūbari (Yūbari-class guided missile destroyer)
      • Chikuma (Yūbari-class guided missile destroyer)
      • Abukuma (Yūbari-class guided missile destroyer)
    • VI. Destroyer Squadron
      • Kiso (Yūbari-class guided missile destroyer)
      • Natori (Yūbari-class guided missile destroyer)
      • Agano (Yūbari-class guided missile destroyer)
  • Second Fleet (Dai-ni Kantai)
    • VII. Destroyer Squadron
      • Shimotsuki (Akizuki-class light destroyer)
      • Fuyutsuki (Akizuki-class light destroyer)
      • Harutsuki (Akizuki-class light destroyer)
    • VIII. Destroyer Squadron
      • Yoizuki (Akizuki-class light destroyer)
      • Natsuzuki (Akizuki-class light destroyer)
      • Michitsuki (Akizuki-class light destroyer)
    • II. Supply Unit
      • Hachirō (Mashu-class replenishment ship)
      • Akkeshi (Mashu-class replenishment ship)
    • I. Destroyer Squadron
      • Suzuya (Suzuya-class heavy destroyer)
      • Kumano (Suzuya-class heavy destroyer)
    • IX. Destroyer Squadron
      • Kakehashi (Yūbari-class guided missile destroyer)
      • Mitsuishi (Yūbari-class guided missile destroyer)
      • Tokoro (Yūbari-class guided missile destroyer)
    • X. Destroyer Squadron
      • Tenryū (Yūbari-class guided missile destroyer)
      • Anano (Yūbari-class guided missile destroyer)
      • Kurobe (Yūbari-class guided missile destroyer)
  • Third Fleet (Dai-san Kantai)
    • XI. Destroyer Squadron
      • #141 (Akizuki-class light destroyer)
      • #142 (Akizuki-class light destroyer)
      • #143 (Akizuki-class light destroyer)
    • XII. Destroyer Squadron
      • #144 (Akizuki-class light destroyer)
      • #145 (Akizuki-class light destroyer)
      • #146 (Akizuki-class light destroyer)
    • II. Supply Unit
      • #147 (Mashu-class replenishment ship)
      • #148 (Mashu-class replenishment ship)
    • II. Destroyer Squadron
      • Mogami (Suzuya-class heavy destroyer)
      • Mikuma (Suzuya-class heavy destroyer)
    • XIII. Destroyer Squadron
      • Shiokaze (Shiokaze-class light destroyer)
      • Shimakaze (Shiokaze-class light destroyer)
      • Akikaze (Shiokaze-class light destroyer)
      • Okikaze (Shiokaze-class light destroyer)
    • XIV. Destroyer Squadron
      • Hakaze (Shiokaze-class light destroyer)
      • Yakaze (Shiokaze-class light destroyer)
      • Hokaze (Shiokaze-class light destroyer)
      • Nokaze (Shiokaze-class light destroyer)

Ōminato Naval District

  • Ōminato District Force
    • Rishiri (Rishiri-class helicopter carrier)
    • Kikyō (Kikyō-class destroyer escort)
    • Yuri (Kikyō-class destroyer escort)
    • Ayame (Kikyō-class destroyer escort)
    • Kaidō (Kikyō-class destroyer escort)
    • Sugi (Kikyō-class destroyer escort)

Yokosuka Naval District

  • I. Yokosuka District Force
    • Maki (Kikyō-class destroyer escort)
    • Momi (Kikyō-class destroyer escort)
    • Kashi (Kikyō-class destroyer escort)
    • Wakatake (Kikyō-class destroyer escort)
    • Kuretake (Kikyō-class destroyer escort)
  • II. Yokosuka District Force
    • Matsu (Matsu-class destroyer escort)
    • Take (Matsu-class destroyer escort)
    • Ume (Matsu-class destroyer escort)
    • Momo (Matsu-class destroyer escort)
    • Kuwa (Matsu-class destroyer escort)
    • Kiri (Matsu-class destroyer escort)

Maizuru Naval District

  • Maizuru District Force
    • Sanae (Kikyō-class destroyer escort)
    • Sarawabi (Kikyō-class destroyer escort)
    • Yaezakura (Kikyō-class destroyer escort)
    • Kaya (Kikyō-class destroyer escort)
    • Nara (Kikyō-class destroyer escort)

Kure Naval District

  • Kure District Force
    • Yadake (Kikyō-class destroyer escort)
    • Madake (Kikyō-class destroyer escort)
    • Kuzu (Kikyō-class destroyer escort)
    • Sakura (Kikyō-class destroyer escort)
    • Yannagi (Kikyō-class destroyer escort)

Sasebo Naval District

  • Sasebo District Force
    • Sado (Rishiri-class helicopter carrier)
    • Tsubaki (Kikyō-class destroyer escort)
    • Kaki (Kikyō-class destroyer escort)
    • Kaba (Kikyō-class destroyer escort)
    • Hayaume (Kikyō-class destroyer escort)
    • Hinoki (Kikyō-class destroyer escort)

Nan'yō Guard District

  • Nan'yō District Force
    • Kakitsubata (Kikyō-class destroyer escort)
    • Omotaka (Kikyō-class destroyer escort)
    • Bashō (Kikyō-class destroyer escort)
    • Tachibana (Kikyō-class destroyer escort)
    • Yomogi (Kikyō-class destroyer escort)

[/spoiler]
 
Additionally, plans have been drafted for the so-called Fifth Naval Act, which would authorise the order of an added fleet carrier, 6 new light destroyers, 6 new supply ships, and several new submarines. The Kaigun-shō also has reclassified several ship-classes. Most of all planned ships have received a new designation system, which caused Project 15 and Project 09 classes to become Project 151 and Project 155 respectively.
 
The 20 submarines I-9 to I-28 meanwhile are scheduled to be overhauled, in order to make them more suitable for operation in warmer waters. As the Kaigun-shō also notes the submarines' optimisation for shallow water (though it can operate in the open ocean), the class has been redesignated as Littoral-optimised Submarines with the designations Ro-1 to Ro-20.

 

Edit: Mixed up a few classes. Fixed the issue.

Edited by Evangeline Anovilis
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"The Nihon Kaigun prepares itself to hold grand fleet exercises in the Northern Pacific in the coming few days, followed by fleet exercises in our Southern Seas Territories later this year. These exercises are important to test the capabilities of our fleet and we thank the Pacific nations for their consideration."

-Akiyama Kagami, Prime Minister of Japan

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Under the command of Admiral Nishi Mitsuhiko, the temporarily formed First Training Fleet (Dai-ichi Renshū Kantai), consisting out of all Air Fleets, as well as the First Fleet depart depart from their gathering point at Aomori and head out into the Northern Pacific for operations. Four fleet carriers, four auxiliary carriers, six battleships and two battlescruisers, as well as dozens of destroyers form most likely the largest fleet dispatched by Japan in recent years. Second and Third Fleet meanwhile are sent to the Nan'yo Territory, in order to assist later on in the exercises.

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The First Training Fleet under Admiral Nishi conducted its exercises in the Pacific, a few hundred kilometres northeast of Midway. The fleet mainly tested large fleet maneuvers, as are necessary to form a battle line, the readiness of weapons systems, cooperation between carrier forces and battle line, cooperation within the carrier forces to effectively coordinate attack flights and CAPs, as well as test launches of the ASSM-3 Block III missile. This last step was conducted by using a modified ASSM-3 without explosive and an abortive terminal stage to test the approach phase, as well as fleet defenses against such missiles.

 

The maneuvers in the Nan'yo territory are planned to actually include exercises with proper missiles, including the ASSM-3, but also other missiles of the Japanese forces. A preliminary report on the exercises has been handed in to the Fleet Ministry, with a more extensive report on the results of both exercises being in the works to be published once all data is available and evaluated.

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Two new battlecruisers of the old Myōkō-class have left the dockyards of Kure, though, they still are to undergo sea trials before being commissioned. Although being virtually the same as the old Myōkō-class, the new ships do have a slight difference in their armament. Of the eight secondary battery turrets, which originally were all dual-turrets for 127 mm guns, thefour at the center of the ship now house triple-turrets for smaller 76 mm cannons. The 76 mm cannon utilised is the same as is to be fitted on the Shinano-class and is officially designated Type 10 76 mm dual purpose gun. The Type 10 76 mm DP gun is an improvement to the existing Type 06 76 mm DP gun and like the existing Type 06, which is used on many destroyers and capital ships, it comes in both single mounts and triple mounts.

 

ydOnIDU.jpg

Type 10 76 mm DP gun in unarmoured single mount

 

The major advantage of the Type 10 over the Type 06 is not only an increase in rate of fire from 90 rpm to 120 rpm, equating two shots per second, but also, the Japan steel Works, producer of the gun, have made critical improvements by fitting a retractable radar and guidance unit to the unit, which is capable not only of tracking approaching missile threats, but also is able to guide special sub-caliber high-velocity shells (Type 9 SC-PD shell) to the threat to efficiently eliminate it. This allows the Type 10 76 mm DP gun to truely be a dual-purpose gun in modern time, as both a surface attack weapon, as well as a super-heavy CIWS.

 

The two cruisers that were commissioned are planned to be named Asahi and Ibuki after the respective mountains.

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Although the Kawasaki B-1 strategic bomber aircraft has been conceived already early as potential main aerial platform for heavy air-to-ground operations and was construed with potential upgrades in mind, such upgrades have not been pursued up to now. In an effort to increase the scope of missions the aircraft can fulfill, as well as to make the aircraft more useful, several upgrades have been planned for the B-1, to be realised in new B-1 aircraft and with older ones to be upgraded to the new standards. As this will create multiple versions of the aircraft, designations will be changed accordingly.

 

B-1A - B-1 bomber optimised for heavy payloads, with provisions for, 16 bombs or missiles of up to 2 tons, 4 of up to 8 tons or 2 of up to 15 tons. Additionally, fuel tanks have been expanded to allow for a 7,500 km combat radius.

 

B-1B - B-1 bomber optimised for large bombloads. The two bomb bays are capable of carrying up to 24 500 kg bombs, 48 250 kg bombs or 84 125 kg bombs each. This version has no range-extension measures and is intented more for tactical support.

 

B-1C - B-1 bomber optimised for missile loads. The two bomb bays, apart from being able to carry 16 500 kg bombs, 32 250 kg bombs or 40 125 kg bombs, can be loaded out with up to 12 long-range cruise missiles each, in rotary launchers.

 

B-1E - Electronic warfare version, which has two smaller bomb bays, able to deploy smaller missiles and UAVs, with focus on disrupting enemy C4I efforts and conducting SEAD missions.

 

In general, the B-1 bomber has been upgraded in terms of stealth, as the Japanese Air Force has to take up a greater scope of operations than its predecessor, the Dai-Tōhoku Air Force. Faced with greater threats and less reliable security guarantees, it is critical that the Japanese Air Force can conduct its own air campaigns and is equipped adequately. Thus, instead of the cost-saving low-observability measures of the original B-1, the new models will feature much more sophisticated stealth measures, both in terms of RCS reduction and IR signature reduction, both which have already been explored in the original. This will allow the B-1 to not just operate from distance, or in low-threat environments, but will make it a competitive and competent asset even in an intense air denial environment of advanced integrated air defenses.

 

Additionally, the Japanese Air Force introduces a series of new bomb designations, for its stockpiles:

 

125 kg-class

  • Type 125-1 GPB
  • Type 125-1 LGPB
  • Type 125-1 CGPB
  • Type 125-1 LIB
  • Type 125-2 GLB

250 kg-class

  • Type 250-1 GPB
  • Type 250-1 LGPB
  • Type 250-1 CGPB
  • Type 250-1 LIB

500 kg-class

  • Type 500-1 GPB
  • Type 500-1 LGPB
  • Type 500-1 CGPB
  • Type 500-1 LIB
  • Type 500-1 AIB
  • Type 500-2 RPB
  • Type 500-3 CB

1,000 kg-class

  • Type 1000-1 GPB
  • Type 1000-1 LGPB
  • Type 1000-1 CGPB
  • Type 1000-1 LIB
  • Type 1000-1 AIB
  • Type 1000-2 RPB
  • Type 1000-3 CB

1000+ kg-class

  • Type 2000-1 CB
  • Type 2000-2 RPB
  • Type 8 AIB - 8 ton fuel-air explosive
  • Type 12 RPB - 12 ton bunker buster

GPB - General Purpose Bomb - Inexpensive unguided High-Explosive gravity bombs

LGPB - Laser-Guidance, Precision Bomb - Precision bombs depending on special laser guidance to find target

CGPB - Communications-Guidance, Precision Bomb - Precision bombs depending on other assets to find target (e.g. sat-guided)

GLB - Guided Glide Bomb - Guided bomb intented to follow a range-extending gliding trajectory to target

LIB - Liquid Incendiary Bomb - Incendiary bomb, utilising an inflammatory liquid agent for effect

AIB - Aerosol Incendiary Bomb - Incendiary bomb, utilising a fuel-air explosive for effect

RPB - Retarded-Fuse, Penetration Bomb - Bunker Buster bomb, utilising a delayed fuse and special construction to penetrate several metres before exploding

CB - Cluster Bomb - Bomb utilising submunitions for effect, normally to be filled with anti-personel or anti-vehicle bomblets

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In order to strengthen the Nihongun, several developments regarding missiles and torpedoes have been made, which are to be introduced. Many of these are intented for use in the new Type 10 VLS, a development from the Mk 41. The Type 10 VLS will be available in short cells (5.3 metres long), as well as full-length cells (7.8 metres long). Improvements over the Mk 41 are minor, mostly in terms of commonality with Japanese electronics. Most missiles capable of being launched by one will be able to be fitted into the other.

 

Type 12 ASAM/MASAMi

 

K9NYxTbl.jpg

 

The Modular Air/Surface-to-Air Missile, or short MASAMi, is a new highly modular missile intented for use against aerial targets. MASAMi is a development from the AAM-7 long-range air-to-air missile and will be known in service as the Type 12 ASAM (overall), SAM-7 (ground-launched), AAM-8 (air-launched) or MASAMi (project name). MASAMi has been developed in an effort to establish more commonality across the branches for anti-air missiles, due to the high unit cost and high demand. It will thus fill the role of BVRAAM and medium-range surface-to-air missile in one, improving cost-efficiency in acquisition. Only slightly larger than the AAM-7 still is fitting into the internal bays of both F-3 and F-4 fighter aircraft, which was an important design criteria. The missile in air launched configuration has a range of 180 km, with a speed of Mach 4 and the high maneuverability typical of the AAM-7. Ground-launched systems are available for use on land, but also on sea. MASAMi can be launched from special launch cells, but can also be quad-packed into the Type 10 VLS, allowing for ships to field larger numbers of missiles for self-defense. In this configuration, MASAMi has 40 km range, making it comparable to the existing SAM-4.

 

The Modular Air/Surface-to-Air Missile is just as agile and fast as its parent, the AAM-7 and has similar high turn rates, making it quite capable at intercepting even highly maneuverable cruise missiles or aircraft. Similarly, the missile is equipped with the AAM-7's modern APAR seeker head and highly capable target discrimination capabilities, making it highly resistent to counter-measures and immune to evasive maneuvering by the target.

 

Type 13 SAM-5/Chō-SAM

 

The SAM-5 or Chō-SAM (镸-SAM) is a land-based long-range anti-air and anti-ballistic missile, developed to further the capabilities provided by the SAM-4 and SAM-7. It is mostly intented to provide wide-area anti-air cover, adding another protective layer to ground assets against aerial attack. The missile has only limited functionality against ballistic missile, being able to intercept theatre ballistic missiles, while sophisticated BMD duties are left to land-based SM-3 batteries.

 

A SAM-5 unit consists out of multiple vehicles, carrying different parts of the system. Typically, one unit will consist out of one command vehicle, one vehicle carrying a modern long-range 3D AESA radar and up to half a dozen launch vehicles with six missiles each. The system is designed to be networked with other systems, to allow coordination in air defense and exchange of targetting information and the missile can be guided towards the target with targetting data from other assets in the network, allowing continued operation, even if the main radar has been lost.

 

The missile has a speed of Mach 4-5 with a range of 250 km and a flight ceiling of 40 km.

 

Type 14 SAM-6/Kai-SAM

 

SAM-6 or Kai-SAM (海-SAM) is the principal Japanese surface-to-air missile used by the Japanese Navy. Together with the SeaRAM for close-in missile defense, the SAM-7 for point-defense and the SM-3 for ballistic missile defense, SAM-6 is intented to be the main area anti-air missile. SAM-6 shares many components with SAM-5, which was developed in concert with it and it thus is very similar in capabilities.

 

SAM-6 is a two-stage missile, with a main missile and one booster. Like the SAM-5, the SAM-6 has a speed of around Mach 4 and a range of up to 250 km, able to engage both high and low-flying targets, allowing ships in a fleet to engage a wide variety of targhets at long range and coordinate AAW efforts. The missile with booster is about 6.5 metres long and thus cannot be fitted into Type 10 short cells. The booster can be removed, rendering the missile short enough to be fitted into a short cell, but also reducing range to about 160 km. The missile has a diameter of around 35 cm (with a broader booster) and weighs around 1-1.3 tons (including the booster). Despite its size, the missile is agile enough to hit most cruise missile and aircraft targets.

 

Type 04 ASSM-3 Block III

 

The ASSM-3 has been further developed in order to increase its usefulness against surface targets. These upgrades have been mostly on the inclusion of land-attack capability, however, Mitsubishi has also developed a new turbojet motor, with better fuel economy, to allow the missile to achieve ranges of over 900 km at high subsonic speed. No changes have otherwise been made, as most other components are considered mature.

 

Type 6 Kai "Wave Lance"

 

The Type 6 heavyweight torpedo has received some modifications to the propulsion system, in order to improve the endurance and reduce noise emmissions. In contrast to the Type 89 heavyweight torpedo, the Type 6 is mainly deployed by surface ships, although it is expected that most future nuclear attack submarines be equipped with the Type 6 torpedoes and be able to launch it. The Type 6 Kai can be fired at ranges of 65 km at 60 knots, 90 km at 50 knts and 120 km at 40 knots and has a typical depth of 20-30 metres, although depths of up to 700 metres are possible (though not commonly used, due to the mission profile of the torpedo).

 

The Wave Lance torpedo is supposed to be equipped at at least 8 new ships in the future, four being battlecruisers and four being heavy destroyers. Guidance has revealed to be unproblematic, apart from the wire-guidance frequently being unusable at extreme ranges. The Type 6 Kai Wave Lance will be produced only in limited fashion for the few platforms that can carry it, with the Type 89 being used on most submarines.

 

Both ASSM-3 and Type 6 torpedo are highly classified systems, with no details being disclosed on their specifications or capabilities. The Type 6 torpedo, as always, will be described as Type 89 Kai torpedo in all public releases, if mentioning of the torpedo cannot be avoided and in such instances, the torpedo is to be treated as a mere modification of the Type 89 HWT for increased efficiency at ASW. All other new systems are to be disclosed without ranges, speeds or specific capabilities or systems and be treated with sufficient secrecy to not compromise the national security.

Edited by Evangeline Anovilis
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Confidential

 

Memorandum on the General Condition of the Japanese Army

For internal circulation only

 

by General Takeuchi Haruto, Chief of Staff of the Japanese Army

 

In the last few years, the Japanese Army [Nihon Rikugun] has been undergoing various reforms, aimed at increasing the capabilities of the Japanese Armed Forces [Nihongun] and the overall security of the Japanese nation [Nihon-koku]. For much of this nation's existence, the security had at large been guaranteed by the Imperial Commonwealth of Tianxia [Tenka Teikoku Renpō], of which Japan had been part of. This security guarantee has allowed Japan to keep its defense expenditures more moderate and to build its forces around a doctrine and force structure aimed at supporting Imperial interventions. However, this situation has changed, much to Japan's detriment, as the Imperial Commonwealth of Tianxia is no more. Indeed, from frequent events, it can be deduced that Imperial policy is more self-centered and does not take into account Japanese security concerns anymore. The transfer of Alaska, the Korean crisis and the unimpeded Pacific Arms Race have shown that Tianxia policy is not taking into account Japanese opinions anymore and that any intervention by Tianxia will only follow initial Japanese action. This is in itself nothing special, as it is to be expected and a logical consequence of the failure of the Imperial Commonwealth of Tianxia. However, it is thus also necessary for Japan to step up and acquire the necessary capabilities to guarantee its own security and to be able to conduct its own interventions, should such be necessary, as has been shown in Korea.

 

The Joint Chief of Staff Council [Tōgō Bakuryō Kaigi] has, with the help of the Fleet Intelligence Bureau [Kaigun Jōhōkyōku] has gathered materials on the last four major conflicts fought in the world, the Pure Lands-Russia War, the South American War, the Prusso-Polish War and the Saint Lawrence War, in order to assess trends in warfare and to learn from these conflicts in preparation of the next one. Of much help in this endeavor was the Fleet Intelligence Bureau's acquisition and translation of a treatise by Sophie Veltier, on the experiences of the Faraway Army against the American Commonwealth. Although adjustments have to be made for the differing circumstances of the Japanese armed Forces, Veltier's tactical and operational doctrines for combatting the American Commonwealth have doubtlessly helped form a new Japanese Army doctrine. With the realistic possibility of war between the American Commonwealth and the Japanese Empire [Nihon Teikoku], due to escalating competition in the Pacific, it is clear that preparations have to be made to protect the Japanese nation in such an eventuality.

 

OOC: "[...]" is used to note the original Japanese term used in the document.

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Due to a change in the tertiary gun armament of the two super-battleships, their official commissioning has been postponed for a few months, to allow for modifications to occur. It is planned that the new class posess additional small-caliber point-defense systems to defend the ship against incoming threats from missiles and small gun boats.

 

However, the Nihon Kaigun does commission a few new smaller vessels. In line with the Expanded Fourth Naval Construction Plan, 47 new submarines are being commissioned. Due to the new designations, these will be I-9 to I-30 (I-1-class nuclear attack submarine), Ro-21 to Ro-40 (Ro-1-class conventional attack submarine) and Ha-1 to Ha-5 (Ha-1-class nuclear guided missile submarine).

 

I-1-class

 

As its I designation states, this submarine is a long-range open-ocean submarine, posessing a nuclear reactor and silent pump-jet propulsion. as a high-performing submarine, these submarines are first-rate submarines, equipped with Type 6 Wave Lance torpedoes.

 

Ro-1-class

 

The Ro designation is given to all submarines that are of greater usefulness in coastal waters, though this does not prevent them from operating in the open ocean. The Ro-1-class is deemed a second-rate submarine, with conventional propulsion (as well as AIP) and a less costly construction. This however by no means makes them that much less of a threat. These submarines displace around 1,500 tons and have a maximum speed of 22.5 knots since the modifications that have taken place. These submarines use the old Type 89 torpedo, due to the Type 6 torpedo being too large to be fitted.

 

Ha-1-class

 

The Ha-1-class is a guided missile submarine, as can be seen in its designation Ha, used for all non-attack submarines. This submarine class borrows much in design from the I-1-class and shares stealth features, however, due to its nature as SSGN, the Ha-1-class obviously displaces much more, at almost 20,000 tons. It can reach a speed of 25 knots and has a payload of 160 missiles stored in VLS. It can also fire 53 cm torpedoes from four torpedo tubes, with a capacity of 20 torpedoes.

 

In addition to the submarines, the Nihon Kaigun commissions 30 new fast attack craft of the Chidori-class.

 

DL08oV7.jpg

 

Chidori-class fast attack craft

 

The Chidori-class is a rather conventional small surface combattant, equipped with several different weapon systems, making them versatile small ships, suitable for the defense of coastlines. The Chidori-class is about 46 metres long, displaces 260 tons, has a speed of up to 40 knots and a limited range of around 400 nm at near maximum speed. This speed is achieved via CODOG propulsion, combining a diesel engine for low speed cruise with a gas turbine for high speed actions.

 

The weapons it carries are one Type 06 76 mm rapid firing gun, 6 103 mm rocket launchers, two Type 93 surface-to-air missiles for defense against low-flying air threats, such as ground attack aircraft and helicopters and two 533 mm torpedo tubes for the carrying of two Type 89 or Type 6 torpedoes. In addition, depending on mission profile, the Chidori-class can be equipped with either the standard load-out of 8 Type 90 ship-to-ship missiles or two additional torpedo tubes. The torpedo tubes can also all be replaced by mineholders, for a carrying capacity of 16 naval mines. Chaff and several heavy machine guns are installed for self-protection against incoming missiles or even smaller boats.

 

Ships in class are:

  • Chidori
  • Yamadori
  • Mizudori
  • Tomozuru
  • Manazuru
  • Kari
  • Aotoka
  • Wakataka
  • Kumataka
  • Hato
  • Tsubame
  • Hibari
  • Kiji
  • Sagi
  • Uzura
  • Hayabusa
  • Kasasagi
  • Kamome
  • Tsubame
  • Hashi-taka
  • Ōtori
  • Umidori
  • Komadori
  • Hatsukari
  • Hatsutaka
  • Suzume
  • Karasu
  • Fukurō
  • Benizuru
  • Misago 

OOC: Given I got no IC nuclear warheads and don't use it for anything else (Korea is no longer disputed), I'm investing 6 warheads in 60,000 tons of naval displacement, which is 40 diesel-electric submarines, at 1,500 tons each. These are based on the Type 209/Chang Bogo-class.

Edited by Evangeline Anovilis
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62wof4Ql.jpg

 

Today, the Nihon Kaigun commissioned its four newest ships, the Rebun-class LHDs. These ships are the first true amphibious warfare vessels of such size to be used by the Japanese Navy and it has been celebrated in Yokosuka with great splendour and enthusiasm. While the Japanese Navy already posesses two Rishiri-class helicopter carriers, these ships are not too suited for amphibious operations, lacking even a well deck. With the Rebun-class, this issue is now overcome. Minister of the Fleet Date has praised the capabilities these ships add to the fleet, especially in a day and age, where the Japanese people take on more responsibilities and action overseas might be needed, as was recently considered in the Korean crisis. The four ships are about 25,000 tons in size each and will be named Rebun, Okushiri, Teuri and Matsumae.

 

Classified

 

The Rebun-class displaces slightly over 27,000 tons and is an overall rather conventional design. It is powered by a combined diesel and gas system of two diesel generators and one gas turbine manufactured by Ishikawajima-Harima, who have constructed the four ships. Via two azimuth thrusters, the ships can reach speeds of up to 20 knots and a high degree of mobility, which is very useful for docking operations. Its range is quite good at 9,000 nm at 15 knot cruise speed.

 

The flight-deck of the Rebun-class can carry and service eight helicopters, which can be increased to eighteen helicopters if the hangar is also used. The hangar is connected via two lifts with the deck. A ski-jump is present at the bow, however Japan does not use any STOVL aircraft. The design feature has mostly been added, in order to possibly increase the appeal to foreign customers. Additionally, the ships posess two vehicle decks (one designed for heavy vehicles, as well as one for lighter ones), able to carry up to 110 vehicles, or, if repurposed, up to 196 shipping containers for supplies in landing or disaster relief scenarios. The main combat force carried by the ship are over 1,000 infantry soldiers, usually of the Kaiheitai, though up to 1,600 can be carried by overloading the ship. This is however not recommended. To transport these troops on land, the Rebun-class harbours four LCMs, as well as several rigid-hull inflatable boats.

 

For self-defense, the ships posess two 25 mm remote weapon stations and several heavy machine guns. They are equipped electronics-wise with a radar and combat system, as well as missile and torpedo decoys. It is expected that the ship be escorted by other Japanese ships on its missions.

 

In addition to these four ships, the Nihon Kaigun has finally finished the acquisition of its six ordered Mashu-class replenishment ships. The class now consists of Mashu, Omi, Akkeshi, Hachirō, Motoso, Hibara, Shōji, Sai, Yamanaka and Kawaguchi.

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w6zEUxF.png

 

It was an enormous spectacle at Yokosuka Naval Base, as thousands of Japanese civilians, media and of course sailors swarmed around the place in one of the greatest events the base had seen in recent years. It was almost like a festival... in fact, it pretty much was a festival. Chefs of the Nihongun cooked teriyaki and yakisoba for the people visiting, music was played by the military bands and with great enthusiasm, the people spent their time looking in awe at the reason for the euphoria - laying there in Yokosuka were three massive ships of enormous size, the three newest carriers of the Nihon Kaigun.

 

Regardless of actual combat value of the ships, the commissioning of such giants always caused the normal citizen to be in awe before the might of their nation, reinforcing their belief in the armed forces to protect their country and them. And for the leading circles of Japan, these events always were a welcome opportunity to highlight the strength of the nation, to promise that Japan's interests be secured and its voice be heard and that peace and prosperity would no longer be threatened. It was also the first time both Akiyama and Date appeared on the stage together, as Prime Minister and Minister of the Navy, as they commissioned the three new ships. The two, who had so long been seen as rivals within the conservative camp, seemed no longer as hostile towards each other, but quite amicable... for better or worse.

 

The three ships have been commissioned as Yūkaku, Hakukaku and Mikaku.

 

Confidential

 

The Yūkaku-class is celebrated as the first class of Japanese "supercarriers". This distinction however is unofficial, as officially they are classed as "fleet carriers", like their predecessors and they are at 105,000 tons about one third larger than the 75,000-ton Jin'ryū-class. The new class is a step up from preceeding classes in terms of capacity, as well as capability. The new ships posess facilities for no less than 62 fighter aircraft, 4 AWACS, 12 Fuji Neptune III UAVs and 4 Mitsubishi SH-60 helicopters. The carrier air wing utilises the Mitsubishi F-4 Shinryū multirole fighter, but it has been constructed with a larger fighter in mind. Theoretically, a few more aircraft could be stored thus, but it has not been attempted and the method remains untested.

 

The carrier is powered by two 300 MW pressurised water reactors, which are already used on most other nuclear-powered ships of the Japanese Navy, with good track record and no issues at all. These produce enough energy to both propell the ship at up to 36 knots, and run the various systems installed. The hull has been constructed to reduce radar signature, mostly in an effort to disguise the true nature of the ship. The flight deck is armoured to withstand smaller naval guns and accidental explosions of an aircrafts ordinance. Hull armour is mostly to withstand machine cannons and guns up to 57 mm caliber. The ship has been structurally strengthened to be able to survive some punishment without breaking apart or sinking.

 

The ship has a highly automated aircraft handling and rearmament system, allowing for faster refueling and rearmament of aircraft and thus a higher sortie rate. Also, this reduces the crew requirements somewhat. Still, the class has about 3,000 enlisted sailors and officers, with additional personel for the carrier air group. Like all other carriers in service of the Japanese Navy, these carriers utilise electromagnetic catapults. Also, the class is equipped with the advanced Nepgear UAV handling and coordination system, improving the ships handling of its substantial Fuji Neptune UAV wing.

 

For self-defence, the Yūkaku-class carries two 8-cell modules of the short Type 10 VLS, equipped with 64 SAM-7 point defense missiles. The main defences of the ship are expected to be accompanying destroyers and other ships. As close-in protection, the ship has however 3 35 mm CIWS, 4 150 kW laser weapon stations and 6 HPM weapon stations. These two kinds of directed energy weapons have been developed and have passed trials, but still are considered prototypes for further development of systems useable on all kinds of warships.

 

The three ships are grouped together in the Third Carrier Division, part of the Third Air Fleet, together with Seventeenth Destroyer Squadron, consisting of destroyers Oyabe, Hime, Shibetsu and Teshio. Overall part of the First Fleet.

 

OOC: Carrier in picture can be imagined to be slightly larger, to accommodate stated values of aircraft.

 

[hr]

 

The National Diet has approved the Sixth Naval Construction Bill, which authorises the construction of two battleships, four heavy destroyers, six light destroyers and 20 additional attack submarines.

 

Additionally, the Fleet Ministry has decided that from now on, all capital ships (fleet carriers, auxiliary carriers, amphibious warfare ships, battleships and battlecruisers) carry the Sakura emblem on their bow, the symbol of the Japanese nation they serve.

 

OOC: Compare to the SDF standards here for how a stylised Sakura looks like.

Edited by Evangeline Anovilis
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Although officially the Yūkaku-class was to be equipped with the Mitsubishi F-4 Shinryū multirole fighter, already for years the Naval Air Service [Kaigun Kōkū-tai] had been planning for a larger, more capable fighter to be introduced. Thus, while the Hakuryū-class still had been planned with the old F-4 in mind, already beginning with the Jin'ryū-class, the Navy had planned for the eventual adoption of a heavier aircraft. And this aircraft was the Shinonono F-5 Akatsubaki. The project however had been kept under wraps and no public statement on it had ever been made, as the Nihongun considered the F-5 one of its most critical technologies. Thus, the aircraft was produced by a newly-founded entity Shinonono Aviation Industries, a cooperation of Mitsubishi and Kawasaki, where it was funded and developed under the guise of refinement of existing F-3 and F-4 fighter aircraft. Similarly, the production of the aircraft was coupled to the overall increase in fighter production, with the official statement stating that Shinonono Aviation Industries was to produce about 360 F-4 fighter aircraft for the Japanese Navy, given that parent industries were already at their maximum capacity. And after some clandestine test flights in the Southern Territories, the aircraft indeed entered its production run.

 

6vXnCuf.jpg

 

Shinonono F-5 Akatsubaki

 

The Akatsubaki (紅椿) is an advanced 5th generation multirole fighter. With over a decade of development and several trillion Yen cost, the F-5 is the most costly project of the Nihongun, outclassing even the largest Naval Construction Bills. The aircraft is significantly larger than the existing F-3 and F-4 fighter aircraft and is to be used both by the Japanese Navy and the Japanese Air Force as a hybrid multirole/air superiority fighter, roles were it outclasses the existing aircraft due to its vastly improved payload. The size of the Akatsubaki at about 20 metres length and 15 metres wingspan is considerable, it however still manages to beat the F-3 and F-4 in stealth aspect, due to advanced stealth features, reducing reflective surfaces through shaping and advanced radar absorbant materials. Serpentine air intakes and, for the first time in Japanese 5th generation aircraft, exhaust nozzles incorporate advanced shaping to minimize radar return. IR countermeasures includes not only passive measures to decrease heat emmissions from the engines, but also active cooling of leading edges and exhaust gases. The engines of the F-5 are highly efficient IHI F-5-2 afterburning turbofan engines, developed from the IHI F-5 engine. The advanced engines, like their smaller F-5 counterparts incorporate advanced material science and efficiency measures to minimise the engine size and allow for more efficient space management within the aircraft. Still, as an upscaled variant of the original, the F-5-2 engine produces enough thrust for supercruise at Mach 1.8 and a maximum speed of Mach 2.4 at altitude. The engine nozzles allow for 3D thrust-vectoring, which together with the rather large wing area and two canards provides the aircraft with a great deal of agility and create additional lift for take off from carriers. The canards of the F-5 Akatsubaki can be moved for steering, but are locked in place during normal cruise, to avoid unnecessary RCS increases.

 

Similar to the preceeding aircraft, the Akatsubaki features the Spherical Infrared Identification and Tracking system (SPIRIT), giving all-around high-resolution IIR sensoric coverage without blind spot. Additionally, the aircraft features the Mitsubishi Electronics Corporation J/APG-4, a slightly improved version of the J/APG-3 used on the F-3 and F-4, featuring high spectrum agility, advanced ECM and ESM capabilities and microwave attack capabilities. Lastly, the F-5 integrates the F-3s active cancellation and radar deception suite ACAR, of airframe integrated passive radar sensors both as radar warning receiver and for EW capabilities via out-of phase active cancellation and deception.

 

The payload of the F-5 Akatsubaki can be carried internally and externally, with 8 internal weapon hardpoints in four different weapon bays and an additional 6 external weapon hardpoints, which however increase RCS significantly. Internal hardpoints can carry up to 12 air-to-air missiles (usually 10 AAM-8 BVRAAM and 2 AAM-6 dog-fighting missiles) or a mixed loadout of the following options:

  • 2x AAM-6 + 2x AAM-8

and one of the following:

  • 8x Type 125-2 Glide Bomb + 2x AAM-8
  • 16x Type 125-2 Glide Bomb
  • 2x Type 500 bomb + 2x AAM-8
  • 2x ASM-4 + 2x AAM-8
  • 2x AGSM-1 + 2x AAM-8 (AGSM-1 still under development)

Additionally, the aircraft integrates a 20 mm revolver cannon with 460 rounds. External weapon hardpoints can be used for up to 10 additional air-to-air missiles, conformal fuel tanks several bombs or up to 2 ASSM-3 long range stand-off missiles.

 

The F-5 Akatsubaki, without fuel tanks, has a combat radius of about 1,500 km, with fuel tanks increasing this to about 1,800 km. The aircraft comes both in naval and land versions. Additional imagery.

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The Nihon Kūgun has an inventory of:

  • 960 F-2A multirole fighter
  • 36 F-2B two-seat trainer aircraft
  • 640 F-15J Kai air superiority fighter
  • 480 F-15J Kai Ni multirole fighter
  • 36 F-15DJ two-seat training aircraft
  • 480 F-3 air superiority fighter
  • 60 F-4R multirole fighters
  • 288 F-5 multirole fighters
  • 80 C-2 tactical/strategic airlift
  • 24 KC-767J aerial refueling aircraft
  • 36 E-767 AEW&C aircraft
  • 200 T-4 trainer aircraft
  • 180 T-7 trainer aircraft
  • 96 B-1 strategic bomber aircraft

The Kaigun Kōkū-tai has an inventory of:

  • 360 F-4 multirole fighters
  • 72 F-5 multirole fighters
  • 36 E-2D AEW&C

These numbers have been deemed utterly underwhelming and hardly competitive with regional neighbours in the Pacific. Thus, in order to mobilise the ecnomy, the military aviation industry has been tasked with stocking up on aircraft, especially on the F-2, F-3 and F-5. F-4 production will see a limited run of around 240 aircraft, which are to be put into reserve, in the event current carrier aircraft are lost. The production of F-5 units will be officially noted as production of F-4 units, which officially will be procurred thus at the same rate as the F-2 and F-4. F-15J aircraft will not be further procurred and all future fourth generation aircraft are to be F-2 multirole fighters. UAV production is to commit ressources to the Neptune II and Neptune III naval reconnaissance drones, as well as the Neptune IIIC AEW&C UAV to be used most of all on auxiliary carriers.

 

Japanese Army Engineers are to be deployed to Paramushiru, where they are to refurbish the aviation facilities and establish an airforce and army base, as well as set up SAM and ASM batteries and long-range radar to assist in the defense of the Chishima archipelago. The Northern Territories are to be more tightly integrated into the defensive plans of the Home Islands. The Kaiheitai are to be deployed to Nemuro Subprefecture, in order to utilise the environment for exercises in rough terrain and amphibious operations.

 

[hr]

 

Confidential

 

While the Nihongun has traditionally relied on the Type 10 mod B [B型] for armoured front-line firepower and the Type 99 SPG for long-range artillery support, the Nihon Rikugun has re-evaluated its concept of mobile front-line firepower. In accordance with the adoption of the new army model, Rikugun, Kaigun Rikusentai and Kaiheitai ought to be equipped with light, strategically and tactically mobile and most of all, affordable firepower. While there exists currently very light reconnaissance vehicles and heavy armour, the sole intermediate vehicle is the Maneuver Combat Vehicle, which does not adequately satisfy the whole range of requirements of the new army model. Due to this, as a first measure to compensate for this lack, two systems are to be introduced, the Type 16 AGC and the MCV-76.

 

ZClnzr5.png

 

Type 16 Assault Gun

 

The Type 16 is ~40 ton tracked vehicle intented for both direct and indirect fire support of frontline troops. It is intented to fill the requirement for flexible and mobile front-line artillery. As main armament, the Type 16 carries a shortened (50 caliberlengths) version of the Type 05 128 mm field gun, built by Japan Steel Works. Despite the shortening, the gun's performance still is deemed sufficient to cover a range of around 28 km unassisted and enough muzzle energy to defeat most armoured vehicles. A further modification to the gun is the installation of a four-round autoloader, to allow quick successive shots in order to quickly eliminate threats. To allow for mounting this type of gun without greater issues, the vehicle is turretless and has a casemate-style construction to save in vehicle size and cost. Indeed, the Type 16 has a height of a mere 1.8 metres (disregarding top-mounted HMG), which reduces its exposure to enemy fire and makes it a rather hard target, especially frontally. as an assault gun, the Type 16 lacks the decent all-round armour protection of a tank and solely the frontal upper and lower glacis are reinforced with advanced composite and non-explosive reactive armour sufficient to withstand enemy tank guns at decent ranges. Side protection is solely sufficient up to 30 mm APFSDS. Due to the low profile of the Type 16, gun depression and gun elevation are not remarkable, with a mere 30° of gun elevation, compared to the Type 05's original 45°. The vehicle crew consists out of 4, the commander and radio operator, the driver, the loader and the gunner.

 

The Type 16 Assault Gun Carrier is utilised by the Nihon Rikugun and is produced by Japan Steel Works (gun) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (vehicle).

 

MCV-76

 

The Maneuver Combat Vehicle-76 is a conversion of the Mitsubishi Maneuver Combat Vehicle to utilise a new turret with a 76 mm/L50 high velocity gun. The new turret is considerably lighter than the original turret and allows the MCV-76 to be better transportable by aircraft than the original variant, while still posessing enough firepower to be a considerable asset in the field. Additionally, the ammunition capacity is much greater and while the gun still is manually loaded, the rate of fire is increased and the loader is less susceptible to fatigue. The vehicle weighs about 18.5 tons, allowing a Kawasaki C-2 to carry a whole vehicle, together with crew and additional equipment (such as add-on armour) while being capable of take-off and landing from short runways.

 

The MCV-76 is used by both the Nihon Rikugun and the forces under the Nihon Kaigun. A 90 mm-armed version has been considered, but was dismissed for regular production. A number of "MCV-90s" may however still be procurred due to the ready availability of 90 mm guns from decommissioned Type 61 MBTs.

 

OOC: Credits to Uberstein for the design of the Type 16 AGC.

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While the carriers had still been commissioned in a public festival, the new battleships were commissioned in a manner that was far more telling than anything, of the state the Japanese military and leadership saw themselves in. Yokosuka Naval Base was brimming with troops who had been called up for exercises and action in the North. These however were only the latest wave, as most of the Naval Land Forces [Kaigun Rikusentai] and the Marines [Kaiheitai] were already stationed in the Chishima Islands. It was a rough time, as it was still winter, the winter being cold, especially in the Sea of Ochotsk. But nevertheless, the soldiers and sailors were active. "Winter training too is necessary. One cannot choose when the enemy comes or when action becomes necessary. But one better be prepared.", the officers had said the young men.

 

Still, the day was one of celebrations, as the Prime Minister and the Minister of the Fleet once again visited the base just outside of Tokyo. Passing by a company of the Naval Land Forces, standing in a neat line, presenting their arms to the de facto leadership of the country and their service branch, the two arrived at the docks of the mighty new class. The two ships lay there like two massive floating building blocks, well over 50 metres high, a good few hundred metres long, simply awe-inspiring. Their masts flying the Kyokujitsuki with 16 rays, their bows carrying the golden Sakura emblem of the Japanese military. Whatever could ever threaten Japan, these behemoths seemed like the ships that would remove any such obstacle for sure. Such was the perception of the Akitsushima-class.

 

Confidential

 

VSZuSeY.png

 

The Akitsushima-class with the two super-battleships Akitsushima and Fusō is the mightiest class of battleships the Nihon Kaigun ever saw, surpassing the preceeding Mutsu-class and Shinano-class battleships in pretty much every regard. The ships are organised as part of the First Fleet.

 

The armament of the Akitsushima-class is outstanding. The main battery consists out of 4 twin turrets armed with 510 mm/50 caliber naval rifles. These extremely heavy guns (each turret approaching a weight of almost 3,000 tons) have a rather sluggish performance, due to their gargantuan size, requiring about half a minute to turn from one side to the other and firing about 2 rounds per minute, however their heavy high-explosive and armour-piercing projectiles make more than up through this by lending the ship tremendous firepower. Unassisted HE shells at maximum elevation of 45° have a range of about 55 km. Originally planned with 8x2 155 mm 2nd Year Type guns and 6x2 127 mm/62 caliber guns, the secondary armament has been downsized to its current state when a tertiary battery of no less than 16x3 76 mm/62 caliber Type 10 dual-purpose guns were installed. The enormous amounts of artillery on the ship have caused much debate about their usefulness, however, the development board and the Ministry of the Fleet continually pressed for the adoption of this design, deemed a "floating fortress", due to redundancy and the strengths of the Type 10 gun, which is capable to assist in anti-surface warfare, anti-air warfare and even as missile defense. To allow for better fire control and coordination, the ship posesses a highly capable combat system in order to allow data from the ships multiple sensors to be quickly translated into effective firing solutions for the various batteries, especially the anti-air armament. Much has been invested in the installation of shock-resistent computers and servers, given the expectation that the new class will draw fire, but also might cause disruption via its own broadside. In any case, the Akitsushima-class has been equipped with adequate computing power to coordinate not solely the ship's weaponry, but also to allow the ship to act as a fleet flagship, a role it will adopt upon commissioning. The ship also posesses 320 cells of Type VLS, which normally are loaded out with 640 SAM-7, 80 Kai-SAM and 80 long-range attack missiles, but which can be loaded out differently if the situation requires it. Additional VLS can theoretically be fitted and space has been reserved at the sides, however, the cost and considerations of combat effectiveness have prevented such. These sections are instead reinforced with additional deck armour and house storage space for non-explosive cargo.

 

The armour protection of the ship is no less impressive than the armament, with a main belt of 450 mm thickness, the thickest deemed economic for mass production for the ship. The only armour of greater thickness is located at the turret faces, which are up to 650 mm of high-grade steel. The citadel of the ship contributes much to the ships weight, given it encompasses another 400 mm of armour, protecting the ship's vital spots of magazines, reactors and the combat system. Due to the prevalence of top-attack ammunition, the Akitsushima-class has incorporated deck armour of overall up to 250 mm in three layers, with added spaced armour inbetween. Torpedo bulkheads are 230 mm thick. As can be expected of a battleship, the construction of the ship is very rugged and the structure is highly compartmentalised in order to allow the ship to survive even intense punishment without sinking.

 

The ship has as a result an enormous weight. Onboard systems and propulsion are powered by two of the standard 300 MW pressurised water reactors manufactured by Mitsubishi for the Japanese Navy and though somewhat sluggish in acceleration, the ship can achieve speeds up to 30 knots, which is considerable, though below the speed of all other capital ships of the Japanese Navy.

 

The ship carries facilities for seaplanes or UAVs and usually carries 4-6 Neptune II reconnaissance drones. Due to this, the ship is equipped with the standard Nepgear UAV management program, to interact with the fleet UAV network.

 

[hr]

 

Confidential

 

Without delay, once commissioned, the new ships make their way to Paramushiru, to unite with the rest of First Fleet for further orders. Four new battlecruisers are still undergoing their final testing phase and are scheduled to be commissioned within a week.

Edited by Evangeline Anovilis
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  • 2 weeks later...

Confidential

 

fATPgMv.png

 

The Kongō-class battlecruisers are the second class of battlecruisers commissioned by the Nihon Kaigun. Although slightly larger than their predecessors, the new battlecruisers are the product of plans developed over a decade ago and thus the new ships still fail to match the capabilities of American cruisers, as is often asked for. Still, the Kongō-class is a capable ship that inherited many proven features and is expected to serve the Japanese nation well.

 

Armament-wise, the Kongō-class carries the same Type 4 360 mm/50 caliber naval rifle as the Myōkō-class, as the Ministry of the Navy has deemed the gun appropriate for the cruiser force. These guns provide a fair balance between heavy firepower, weight and speed, with a maximum range of 35-40 km (depending on ammunition type) at 45° elevation (which is the highest elevation possible) and a rate of fire at up to 3 rpm. Additionally, the Kongō-class carries a large secondary battery of Type 10 76 mm/62 caliber rapid-firing dual purpose guns, which have been deemed of greater usefulness to the ship than the old Type 1 127 mm/62 caliber dual purpose gun, which is still installed on most smaller ships. The new battlecruisers also, in contrast to their predecessors, utilise a deck-mounted reloadable quintuple launcher for torpedoes, instead of hull-integrated torpedo tubes. The Kongō-class is supposed to carry the Type 06 heavyweight torpedo, with 5 stored in the launcher and 15 more in the torpedo magazine. For self-defense, the ship relies on the four-barreled 35 mm M1 CIWS developed by the Ōminato Naval Arsenal, as well as the 76 mm secondary battery.

 

Armour protection of the ships is remarkable, despite being classed as battlecruisers. The ships posess great amounts of armour protection, which is of even greater efficiency due to being applied in an "all-or-nothing" concept, concentrating the armour at vital points and relatively neglecting non-critical areas of the ship. The armour belt thus has a stark variation in thickness from 350 mm at the center to 110 mm in the forward and aft-section, tapering down to negligible protection at the extreme ends of the ship. Deck armour comes in form of an armoured deck at up to 150 mm thickness, with a second 50 mm thick deck underneath and 20 cm of spaced armour inbetween. Underwater protection comes in form of multiple torpedo bulkheads. The ship, similar to all capital surface combattants of the Japanese Navy, is designed to withstand great amounts of punishment without sinking.

 

The four ships have been introduced as the last of the early plan ships, mostly due to modifications in the secondary armament. Data on the ships is however deemed mostly confidential, especially given their typical armament with the nation's most modern missiles and torpedoes. The four ships will carry the four traditional names of Kongō, Haruna, Kirishima and Hiei and are organised in Cruiser Divisions III and IV.

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The Technical Research & Development Institute (TRDI), at the request of the Japanese Army and in cooperation with Japan Steel Works has started the development of the Lightweight High Velocity Gun System (LHVGS). The LHVGS is planned as an improved high-velocity counterpart to existing 76 mm guns in service with the MCV-76, as well as a lightweight field gun alongside the Type 5 128 mm field gun. The development is deemed to be quite feasable and aims at the integration of modern material science and ETC propellant technology to produce a gun system and suitable ammunition for towed artillery, as well as vehicle mounted guns. Additionally, it is hoped that a suitable chassis be found to carry the LHVGS, for which the Army has provided to TRDI reserve M41 light tanks for testing purposes. It is prognosed that the LHVGS, despite its small caliber, could potentially have enough force to damage or destroy most modern armoured fighting vehicles, though it would struggle somewhat against heavily armoured MBTs. The integration of the LHVGS is seen as in line with the concept of "Light Firepower" embraced by the Japanese Army in the wake of Veltier reforms.

 

Classified

 

In line with the National Mobilisation Act, an increased budget for the acquisation of ammunition and spare parts has been approved, given the absolute need of the nation to win its struggle with the American Commonwealth. Depending on the course of events, further measures to increase the armaments production might be introduced, as well as measures for social control during the conflict.

 

The 7th Naval Construction Plan also has been approved for funding, increasing the size of the Japanese Navy. While there are still one Yūkaku-class fleet carrier and six Akizuki-class light destroyers to be finished from the 5th Naval Construction Plan and two new battleships, four new heavy destroyers, six new light destroyers and twenty new attack submarines from the 6th Naval Construction Plan, the 7th Naval Construction Plan adds two new battlecruisers, two new Rebun-class amphibious warfare ships, six new heavy destroyers and no less than twelve new light destroyers of two new classes. A possible 8th Naval Construction Plan has been drawn up, although the Diet has voiced its concerns, given that already the 6th and 7th plan are going to cause an extreme hike in sovereign debt that will weigh heavy on the nation's finances. An 8th Naval Construction Plan escalating these numbers even further would most likely require the reality of a full-on war.

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Due to the expected escalation of fighting in the Americas, the Ministry of the Navy has expanded the 7th Naval Construction Plan by one additional battleship and 24 additional destroyer escorts, to be constructed in two patches of 12. Additionally, the Project 203 battleships and the Project 270 destroyer escort have teceived their rough design criteria.

 

The Project 203 battleships, of which there will be three, are to be less ambitious than the Akitsushima-class and more in line with preceeding Shinano-class battleships. They are thus supposed to weigh considerable less and be smaller than the Akitsushima and have around 250-270 metres length with 70,000-80,000 tons of displacement. Like before, these ships are to follow a more conventional hybrid BBGN style and will combine strong gun and missile armament, as well as strong active and passive defences to contribute to the Japanese battleline. The Project 203-class is expected to carry at least 320 VLS cells, just like other Japanese battleships, though provisions for more could be made. For the moment, it is however deemed sufficient to only carry 320 cells, to avoid unnecessarily compromising deck armour protection and exposing explosive materials that could become hazardous if the ship comes under enemy fire. The gun armament is to consist this time only out of three turrets, not the usual four, however turrets are to be triple turrets to cary an overall nine main battery guns, instead of the usual eight. The main battery guns are supposed to be 460 mm/50 caliber naval rifles, just like with the Shinano-class and it is highly likely to fit into triple turrets, given past experiences in WWII with the Yamato-class, which carried similar caliber in such configuration. The choice for three turrets instead of four is a departure from the formerly concept of spreading guns to avoid enemy fire easily knocking out greater parts of the main battery by destroying a turret or causing issues by penetrating a turret and exploding ordnance for three guns instead of four, and instead applying concepts learned from the construction of the Kongō-class battlecruisers. The reduction of turrets will allow for a reduction in the overall amount of the ship's length that will require full-strength citadel armour and will thus allow for the better application of an all-or-nothing concept, thereby increasing efficiency of the armour carried. Additionally, it is expected that the reduction in number of turrets will free up additional deck space, which can be used to increase the reconnaissance aviation capabilities or number of missile cells if necessary. Secondary battery armament will consist most likely out of a mixture of 127 mm and 76 mm dual-purpose guns, to defend the ship against smaller vessels and aerial threats. CIWS protection will be in form of the ONA M1 35 mm gun, which is supposed to be be used in great number. A possible M2 improved CIWS might be employed instead. Armour thickness of the side-belt is supposed to be at 450 mm maximum, as a result of the new armour concept, theoretically allowing critical sections of the Project 203-class to be armoured similarly to the Akitsushima-class. Like all battleships, the class is to receive the standardised set of sensoric and fire control systems for capital surface combattants and employ nuclear propulsion to keep up with the remainder of the battleline. Redundancy in systems and structure are to be employed to allow the ship to sustain extensive damage in a fleet battle without catastrophic loss.

 

The Project 270 destroyer escort is to be better equipped than current destroyer escorts of the Matsu-class and derrivates. The class will weigh not much more than current destroyer escorts, but is to carry a typical Type 10 76 mm/62 caliber rapid-firing gun and 2 CIWS for self-protection. ASuW capabilities will be the same as with the Matsu-class, with 8 Type 90 SSMs. The ASW capabilities too will be similar, with two triple launchers for lightweight torpedoes. Unlike the Matsu-class, the Project 270-class is not to employ its ASROC missiles in a rotary launcher, but rather in Type 10 VLS, of which it will have 16 cells. These will allow the carrying of 8 ASROC, as well as several surface-to-air missiles.

 

In addition to these new orders, the Ministry of the Navy is exploring the possibility of increasing the fleet of light destroyers further, in case war breaks out with the American Commonwealth.

 

Lastly, the Ministry has decided to no longer give submarines names besides type indication and serial number, due to the number of submarines planned to be fielded. The current names for 8 submarines are withdrawn.

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Confidential

 

In cooperation with the TRDI, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has presented two new armoured fighting vehicles to the Japanese military for possible introduction.

 

Type 17 Armoured Fighting Vehicle

 

The Type 17 AFV has been developed from the chassis of the Maneuver Combat Vehicle and has been offered to the Nihongun. The Type 17 AFV is a versatile 8x8 wheeled vehicle of around 22 tons which is deemed a good addition to the current tracked Type 87 IFV. The Type 17 offers protection and mobility similar to the existing Maneuver Combat Vehicle, but is considerably lighter and is supposed to act as basis for several variants, including variants armed with 30 mm autocannon, 40 mm grenade launcher or 120 mm mortar. Every variant will include a top-mounted 12.7 mm heavy machine gun and a co-axial 7.62 mm machine gun for defense of the vehicle. Mitsubishi did present the mock-up to the Ministries of Defense and the Navy, but it is yet to be decided whether this project is being pursued further. Potential variants with other armaments, such as a SPAAG and a SPG have not yet been developed, though Mitsubishi has deemed it feasable, if the military wanted such a family of vehicles.

 

GSzCH6Zl.jpg

 

Type 41 Expeditionary Light Tank

 

The project of the Type 41 ELT has been proposed to the Japanese military as a potential future combat vehicle for expeditionary forces. The Type 41 is based on the M41 Walker Bulldog light tank, of which Japan has a fair few, however, with several upgrades to make it a more competitive platform. The TRDI proposes the installation of the planned LHVGS as main gun, which would allow the Type 41 ELT to take on most armoured vehicles that are not modern MBTs. Additionally, the installations of IR-optical targetting and sighting systems, a more powerful and efficient engine and applique non-explosive reactive armour is considered. This could give the tank the necessary protection to withstand most small and medium caliber fie from modern IFVs. One main selling point, which TRDI advertises, is that the Type 41 ELT would be handily air-transportable by the Kawasaki C-2 and newly constructed vehicles could even apply further modifications to the hull to improve the protection level without significant weight increases. This project too awaits approval by the military.

Edited by Evangeline Anovilis
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h89QfUDl.jpg

Japanese Army 203 mm M110 self-propelled howitzer, base of the Type 17 

 

In an effort to increase Japanese heavy firepower, the Japanese Army has requeste from Japan Steel Works the conversion of several of its M110 heavy howitzers to provide a modern-long-range self-propelled heavy artillery. The conversion plans to equip the M110 with a 70-caliber long 170 mm gun, which will be lighter, but have greater range and be more accurate. Japan Steel Works also is to develop several ammunition types, including guided ammunition, for the gun system, to improve extreme-range accuracy. It is expected that the range of the new gun could be similar to the M107 175 mm howitzer, at around 40 km and around 50 km with ER ammunition.

 

Due to the limited number of M110s to equip the armed forces, the Type 17 self-propelled howitzer will also be installed on captured Koksan artillery pieces from Korea (where upgrades to gun and propulsion are planned) and new guns will be installed on the chassis of old Type 74 main battle tanks.

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