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Tōgō Bakuryō Kaigi


Evangeline Anovilis

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After a bit under a year of construction time, today the Kaigun commissoned I-1 to I-8, Japan's first submarines. Ordered by the Dai-Tōhoku Kaigun-shō, these submarines were intented to complement surface assets and to provide added protection to the battle fleet. Fleet Minister Date however stated that these eight new submarines, built as high-performing attack submarines, will have a far more diverse mission profile, as the nation increases the scope of its ambitions and the size of the submarine forces. The submarines have also received proper names, something the Fleet Ministry states will be given only to nuclear submarines.

 

I-1 Kuroshio

I-2 Oyashio

I-3 Michishio

I-4 Uzushio

I-5 Narushio

I-6 Isoshio

I-7 Yaeshio

I-8 Harushio

 

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The submarines would be about 6000 tons in displacement when submerged, with a length of about 100 metres. Powered by a modern Mitsubishi nuclear pressured water reactor and utilising modern pump-jet propulsion, the class of submarines would not only be rather fast at up to 28 knots submerged, but also extremely quiet. Anechoic coating and use of radar absorbant material in the mast are intented to minimise enemy detection of the ships, while a highly developed active and passive sonar allow for improved sensitivity to the presence of enemy combatants. The use of a titanium double-hull construction, made possible by drawing upon Japan's large titanium industry, allows for increased diving depth, tested to 800 metres, though naval engineers report it should be safe down to 1,000-1,100 metres.

 

With a complement of 65, the class has storage room for 30 heavyweight torpedoes or cruise missiles launched through the six bow-mounted torpedo tubes. Planned are a new heavy 533 mm torpedo and a submarine-launched variant of the Yari II missile for surface strike and anti-ship purposes.

 

While I-1 to I-4 remain in Yokosuka, I-5 to I-8 are scheduled to be stationed in Vitória.

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Following the commissioning of 8 nuclear attack submarines at the beginning of the month, the Nihon Kaigun today launched 10 additional diesel-electric attack submarines, the first of a total of 20 submarines that are included in the naval construction program. The submarines are smaller than the preceeding Kuroshio-class, however they also are cheaper and are going to be the bulk of a strong submarine fleet to support the overall naval capabilities of the Japanese nation. The submarines, though not employing the high-end techniques of the Kuroshio-class are considered very economic and of good quality and Minister of the Fleet Date Seiranko has stated that the Ministry and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are looking into the possibility of exporting similar ships to nations considered reliable.

 

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The new submarines have received pennant numbers I-9 to I-18, indicating them as attack submarines. Their length is approximately 61 metres, the submerged tonnage being 1,500 tons. The submarines are powered by engines provided by Ishikawajima-Harima, with a special stirling engine AIP unit. Using regular systems, the ship can reach up to 22 knots submerged, with an endurance of 6000 nm or 12 weeks on sea (of which 3 weeks on AIP). The I-9 class uses a single shaft with skewback propeller for comparably silent propulsion and has overall a good performance in shallower waters, as well as the open sea. It is not made for extreme depths like the Kuroshio-class, but has a high-strength steel-alloy double hull design allowing for operation in waters as shallow as 20 metres and as deep as 550 metres.

 

The I-9 class has a complement of 27 and is equipped with 4 533 mm torpedo tubes, as well as 4 400 mm torpedo tubes. It can use these to launch torpedoes, sub-launchable missiles and for mine-laying operations and has storage room for up to 20 heavyweight torpedos.

 

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I-5 to I-8 are scheduled to return to Japan and be stationed at Ōminato naval base, while I-1 to I-4 are going to be stationed at Kure. I-9 to I-18 replace the units in Vitória, being stationed at the new submarine port there. The First Fleet will be stationed at Yokosuka Naval Base for the near future.

 

Plans for additional Rishiri-class ships are halted, while the Kaigun-shō evaluates whether a ship with well deck might not be more useful.

 

Kaigen-shima and Vitória both are scheduled to receive OTH radar facilities, for monitoring of naval movements in the region. This will happen in addition to maritime patrol flights undertaken from Vitória, in order to keep an eye on possible threats to the Imperial security.

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Battlecruisers Myōkō and Chōkai, accompanied by helicopter destroyers Rishiri and Sado, destroyers Yubari and Natori are assigned to a new secondary Expeditionary Fleet to escort a dozen unarmed transport ships to America. They are to transport two divisions of Kaigun Rikusentai from Ōminato to the Americas, in order to support the operations of the Fuso Company.

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Orders were given for the First Fleet to prepare for escorting a second Trans-Pacific convoy, in order to move the the Second General Army with 10 divisions to Prince Rupert. Meanwhile, first light troops would be flown in with Kawasaki C-2 airlifters. The Nihongun in its entirety would be put on heighened readiness, as the American Commonwealth already once had shown hostility over Kaigenshima, which could repeat itself now.

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While First Fleet would stay in Yokosuka, due to concerns over the safety of passage, the szbmarine units in Ōminato, as well as Kure would be ordered to leave port and to patrol in the Western Pacific for the time being. The Strategic Air Command would be made ready for sorties and the overall readiness of the Nihongun would be elevated once more, as aggressive actions from the American Commonwealth would not be unsurprising anymore.

Edited by Evangeline Anovilis
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Today, Prime Minister Tachibana has officially commissioned the second battleship of the Nihon Kaigun. A sister ship of the preceeding Mutsu, Dewa is named after the second province making up the Tōhoku region, the name stemming from the time of Dai-Tōhoku. Together with Mutsu, this ship will be the foundation of the new Japanese battle fleet. Minister of the Fleet also announced it to be the last ship of the Mutsu-class, as the four planned ships to be added will be of an improved design, which currently has not been declassified.

 

Dewa enters service in a time of high tensions, thus, her outfitting has been given great priority.

 

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While plans for surface combattants are seen as more than adequate for now, the Kaigun-chō would make plans for additions to the subsurface strength, adding to the submarine procurement program more than 40 additional units.

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Mitsubishi F-3 Shinshin

 

The Shinshin (心神) is a 5th generation air superiority fighter aircraft. After lengthy development and great cost, it gives the Nihon Kūgun a lightweight land-based fighter aircraft to defend the Japanese skies from hostile incursions and can contest enemy domination of their airspace. The Shinshin shares many components with its related development, the F-4 Shinryū, such as the Ishikawajima-Harima F-5 engine, developed originally for the F-3 fighter, and the Spherical Infrared Identification and Tracking System. Despite the similarities however, the F-3 has some superior qualities, mainly related to its role, such as the ability to reach up to Mach 2, as well as a further reduction of RCS by a factor of 2. This can mainly be attributed to the improved airframe, which is even lighter than the F-4, needing no additional structural reinforcements for carrier duty, concentrating mainly on superior characteristics once in the air. The F-3 also features an improved electronical warfare suit, which not only includes normal jamming systems, but is intented to achieve a limited measure of active cancelation, via the transmission of out-of-phase returns, even. While not a mastered technique, it is used most of all locally for covering key features of the aircraft, thus improving stealth characteristics at long-to-mid ranged engagements.

 

The F-3 has provisions for 4 internal weapon hardpoints and 6 external ones, being able to carry up to 2 AAM-6 and 2 AAM-7 missiles without compromising the stealth of the aircraft and up to 10 AAM-6 and 6 AAM-7 by using external hardpoints. Alternative load-out options include up to two fuel tanks, to increase the combat radius from 1,000 km to 1,400 km, and up to 8 SDBs, carried internally. For dogfights, the F-3 also includes a 20 mm revolver cannon with storage for 230 rounds.

 

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With development of the F-3 having reached the state of a full production aircraft, a production run for 120 aircraft has been approved, altough the Diet debates the addition of another 60 aircraft in response to American Commonwealth deployments at the west coast of North America.

 

Meanwhile, two more wings of B-1 bombers, which now total a 48 aircraft, are taken into service, for deployment in Minami-Kechua. They are to allow for the defense of the colony against attacks, operating from a couple of airfields around La Paz/Heiwa.

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With the building of the sixteen additional Yūbari-class destroyers, six Akitsuki-class destroyers and thirty Block II Matsu-class destroyer escorts completed, the laying down of the follow-on destroyers would start.

 

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With the conflict in Europe concluded, the Kaigun-chō, hoping to get access to combat data on the new missile system's performance from Poland during the ongoing diplomatic negotiations, signed a new order for development of a dedicated high-performance anti-ship missile system to be used in the future. This missile would be planned as supplementing the ASSM-3, not replacing it. This project would be entrusted to Shinonono, under the same classification level as the new fighter aircraft. Official reference outside Shinonono would be as ASSM-3-2, which also would be used for references to an improved version of the ASSM-3, in the form of fixed errors in software and improved stealth characteristics.

Edited by Evangeline Anovilis
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After a bit over a year in construction time, the Nihon Kaigun today in a celebration at Kure Naval Base commissioned its two new ships Kashima and Katori, named after Kashima Shrine and Katori Shrine respectively. The two ships will act as dedicated training vessels for new cadets, to learn life at sea and basic operational procedures, before being reassigned to warships. The two ships are of the size of a light destroyer, armed with a 76 mm gun produced by Japan Steel Works and operating one Mitsubishi SH-60 helicopter on a landing platform at the stern. However, both ships are not going to be assigned to actual combat missions. The two ships are just one aspect of the naval construction plan to boost the logistics of the fleet, with six new Mashu-class replenishment ships entering service later this week and four dedicated electronic intelligence ships next week.

 

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Submarines I-19 to I-28, all of the I-9 class diesel electric submarine, are commissioned and outfitted. They are to be assigned to Vitória to fully use the facilities established there. The Ministry of the Fleet meanwhile considers laying down of additional I-1 Kuroshio-class nuclear attack submarines, in order to boost the strength of Japan in waters surrounding its home islands.

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Type 05 Field Gun

 

Today, the Nihon Rikugun has introduced its new intermediate caliber field gun, the Type 05, which fired its first exercise shots in the traning area on Hokkaido. The 128 mm gun started development via the attempt to convert a 127 mm naval gun to use on land, but was soon an independent design. Utilising a sturdy and inexpensive steel cruciform carriage, the artillery weighs a bit less than 7 tons and is normally transported by a standard artillery tractor. The gun itself features a 55 caliber barrel (7.04 m), with a modern electro-thermal chemical improved firing mechanism, to improve performance of the gun. This way, the Type 05 can fire unguided, unassisted shells in HE configuration at up to 35 kilometres. However, the Type 05 field gun can also be used for direct fire missions, utilising both APCBC and APFSDS ammunition, to disable and destroy enemy vehicles at long range, without much issue. The barrel can be elevated between +45° and -5° to change between the two firing modes, but can be swivelled 360° horizontally, allowing coverage of wide sectors in direct firing mode. Firing rates range from 8 rpm in one burst to 5 rpm in sustained firing mode.

 

The gun is handled by a crew of 8 and is to be employed in larger numbers by the Nihon Rikugun as a lighter and more flexible alternative to the Type 01 field howitzer, providing much the same range. It is to be mass manufactured by Japan Steel Works.

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Today, after lengthy build time, the Fleet introduces eight ships of the so-called Shiokaze-class destroyer, the planned follow-on model of the Akitsuki-class destroyer. Altough originally planned to be a class of 23 ships, the Shiokaze has been plagued by cost overruns, especially related to the gas turbine propulsion, which has been developed by Ishikawajima-Harima, to allow for high cruise speed in excess of 20 knots, with top speeds in excess of 30 knots, to make them suitable as escort ships for carrier fleets. With an estimated unit cost of ¥62 billion per ship, the Kaigun-shō has decided to rather invest into a third class of destroyers, which will be using more traditional components to limit costs overruns as experienced with the Shiokaze-class. Minister of the fleet Date still stated she was highly proud of the new class and stated her satisfaction with the ships abilities as a anti-air destroyer.

 

The names of the eight ships will be:

  • Shiokaze
  • Shimakaze
  • Akikaze
  • Okikaze
  • Hakaze
  • Yakaze
  • Hokaze
  • Nokaze
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With the results of the Okikaze Board of Investigation, the Kaigun-shō has concluded that a reconstruction of the Shiokaze-class will be necessary to adress faults in the design. Most of all, the Shiokaze-class will receive a new superstructure, which has a lower center of gravity, as well as a new bow section, to reduce stress on the ship at maximum speed. The ship will have only one single CIWS that will cover much of the rear area, while overall point-defense will be taken care of by the highly capable radar system in concert with a 48 cell of missiles, which will include short-range surface-to-air missiles. Aviation facilities of the class will be improved, by converting parts of the former superstructure into hangar space for either the helicopter or up to 4 Neptune II reconaissance UAV. Destroyers Shiokaze, Shimakaze, Akikaze and repaired Okikaze will be outfitted in this drone configuration, which requires the fitting of a crane. The missile armament will be cut down from the initial 64 missiles to a mere 48 missiles, mostly at the cost of anti-ship missiles. Instead, the class will feature a reloadable 533 mm quintuble torpedo launcher, which will be enclosed when not in operation, to decrease exposure to radar.

 

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Type 6 heavyweight torpedo

 

The Type 6 torpedo is a development of the existing Type 89 torpedo, though it incorporates many new features, making it a highly valued asset of the Nihon Kaigun in combat against surface and submarine targets. The Type 6 torpedo can currently only be deployed by the Myōkō-class battlecruiser and the Shiokaze-class destroyer, being too large for use onboard submarines. The torpedo has a diameter of 533 mm, a length of 9.5 metres and a weight of 2.2 tons. The torpedo warhead is 300 kg plastic-bonded high explosive. It features electro-optical wire-guidance, improving data processing capability and resistance against electronic counter measures. Able to employ active and passive sonar homing modes, the torpedo features advanced data analysis and target discrimination capabilities. The detonation mechanism uses a proximity fuze to detonate the warhead below the keel of enemy combattants, to cause catastrophic structural damage and sink the enemy vessel.

 

Propulsion features a pump-jet, which allows for high speeds of up to 70 knots, despite low noise. The system is powered by up to 8 silver-zinc batteries, providing long endurance, for ranges of up to 60 km at 60 knots, 75 km at 50 knots and 90 km at 40 knots, with the torpedo being designed to dash in on the target once within close range (<5 km) and having the ability to turn for a second attempt, should the first miss. Similarly, the torpedo can be issued a second priority target, to attack, should the main target have already been sunk or been lost.

 

Development of the Type 6 torpedo is highly classified, with public references using the name Type 89 Kai and merely stating a range of "in excess of 50 km". Length and weight of the torpedo are not declassified at any occassion outside the Kaigun.

Edited by Evangeline Anovilis
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With several ships still to be commissioned properly, the halls of the old Fleet Ministry would start to become one of the busiest government buildings in the country. All gears would be set into motion, to finish the outfitting and sea trials in time before the planned fleet review. Especially the battleship and carrier divisions would practice on a harsh schedule, given they were the pride of the Nihon Kaigun.

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Today, Minister of the Fleet Date and Prime Minister Tachibana officially commissioned the four new battleships of the Nihon Kaigun. In a great public celebration, the ships received their official names and the Prime Minister adressed the gathered masses to state her hopes that the new ships will add to the security of the Empire, just as already the Mutsu-class did. Minister of the Fleet Date called the new Shinano-class a great step-up in quantity and quality and sees in the growing Nihon Kaigun the steady realisation of Japanese sea power. Of course, the commissioning was accompanied by the famous Gunkan March, performed by the Japanese Navy Band Yokosuka.

 

The names chosen for the four ships in class are:

  • Shinano
  • Kaga
  • Hyūga
  • Tosa

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Ships Shinano and Kaga are formed into the 2nd battleship division, Hyūga and Tosa form the 3rd battleship division.

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With the Shinano-class finished, the Kaigun-shō has approved that two of the drydocks used for these heavy ships, will be used for the construction of two additional battleships. This brings the total number of battleships to still be constructed to four.

Edited by Evangeline Anovilis
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ASSM-3 during a test conducted in the Sea of Japan

 

ASSM-3 Block II

 

The ASSM-3 Block II is the newest model of Japan's primary anti-ship weapon. Including important lessons learned from the Prusso-Polish war, the Block II version introduces valuable upgrades to a mostly successful design.

 

The airframe of the missile has been slightly improved through usage of more intricate radar absorbant materials and advanced sensor integration, allowing the missile to avoid detection at greater ranges, while at the same time noticing enemy radar presence, allowing for higher chance of radar evasion. This is coupled with a more intelligent approach pattern, which improves the missile's autonomous response to threats. This way, the missile is expected to be able to evade enemy radar detection and anti-air defenses almost entirely during its final approach, increasing the lethality of the system. Such changes were deemed necessary after reports of Norse vessels evading the mass of an ASSM-3 missile attack.

 

Additionally, the ASSM-3 has been equipped with an improved propulsion system, increasing the range to 450 km.

 

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ASM-4 mounted on a F-2 multirole fighter

 

ASM-4

 

The ASM-4 is an advanced stealth supersonic anti-ship missile, designed to add another highly lethal weapon option to the Japanese anti-ship arsenal. It is primarily air-launched and can be used by the F-2, F-3, F-4 and F-15J, who all can mount up to two missiles externally under their wings (see picture above). While this is deemed not optimal for the stealth aspect of the aircraft, the missile's own very low visibility combined with its range are deemed sufficient to allow still for stand-off capability against most enemy threats.

 

The missile has a length of around 6 metres, with a weight of approximately 900 kg. The airframe utilises a moderate degree of stealth shaping and radar absorbant materials at critical points, to avoid easy detection. Still, much of the survivability comes from its high speed, as its ramjet motor allows velocities in excess of Mach 5. This, together with a mostly sea-skimming approach make for a very small timeframe to enact countermeasures, rendering most defenses simply meaningless.

 

To navigate its course and to find its target, the ASM-4 has a multitude of options. As a standard, the missile will use datalink with the launch platform in the beginning, before switching to satelite guidance during the intermediate stage, inertial guidance once close to the enemy combattant and active/passive radar for the last terminal approach of the enemy vessel. In this last stage, the missile is equipped with advanced ECCM and target discrimination technology, allowing for high chances of hitting the intented target.

 

The ASM-4 has a range of 150 km, which it spends mostly in a low altitude approach at high speed.

 

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Both missiles are to make up the new basis of Japan's anti-ship strike capability. Older ASM-1 and ASM-2 missiles are to be stored, for disposal via attrition.

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Light carrier Zuihō leaving Sasebo

 

Today, just a week after the commissioning of the battleships of the Shinano-class, the Nihon Kaigun has taken the next major step to increase its capabilities, commissioning half a dozen carriers, boosting the naval aviation capabilities of the nation's naval forces tremendously. The six ships, two fleet carriers and four light attack carriers, are intented to provide air cover to both naval combat operations, as well as close air support for ground forces overseas. Altough the Liberal and Green parties protested the acquisition of this large number of ships, it has been a great concern of the ruling conservatives to expand the naval forces. To this end, the current plans are said to have been expanded even with the Fifth Naval Bill, authorising an additional construction run, altough only it has up to now only been confirmed that two battleships are included.

 

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Shōkaku-class fleet carrier

 

The Shōkaku-class is a minor step-up from the preceeding Soryū-class. Slightly larger, at 75,000 tons displacement and 315 metres length, the new carriers carry a similar-sized air wing of 36 Mitsubishi F-4 multirole fighter aircraft, 4 AWACS aircraft and 12 Fuji Neptune III reconnaissance UAVs. Additionally, the carrier may deploy up to 4 Mitsubishi SH-60 ASW helicopters. Provisions have been made to allow for possible later replacement of the F-4 with a heavier fighter, however, no such replacement is considered at the very moment. The new carrier utilises cargo managment logistics for aviation fuel and ammunition similar to the Soryū-class, for eased refueling and reloading, as well as to decrease the amount of personel needed, due to automation. Additionally, the Shōkaku-class has three elevators, compared to the Soryū-class' 2, improving the transition capacities between hangar and flight deck. Aircraft are launched via two electro-magnetic catapults.

 

Similar to its predecessor, the Shōkaku-class utilises Type 14 long-range radar and the Type 4 air-traffic control system for awareness and coordination of its air wing. Additionally, the carriers are the first ships of the Nihon Kaigun to be outfitted with both Nepgear UAV handling system and IF datalink. The class is powered by a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries 300 MW Pressurised Water Reactor, as used in most other capital ships, but, instead of utilising azimuth thrusters, like her predecessor, the Shōkaku-class utilises four conventional shafts, still however reaching a good top speed of 34 knots.

 

For defence, the Shōkaku-class has 4 ONA 35 mm CIWS and 6 Mk41 8-cell VLS for a total of 48 missile cells, used entirely for point-defense missiles.

 

The two ships in class are:

  • Shōkaku
  • Zuikaku

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Hōshō-class light attack carrier

 

The Hōshō-class is designated a light attack carrier, being notably smaller than a full-size fleet carrier, with only 35,000 tons of displacement and 253 metres of length. To provide the necessary runway length for safe take-off and landing, the flight deck has been designed in a less conventional straight full-length style, combining the space for both operations. In this configuration, aircraft can use the entire length for take off and landing, which decreases the effective sortie rate, as no two such operations can happen at the same time, nor preparations.Thus, in standard configuration, these light carriers carry only 12 Mitsubishi F-4 multirole fighter aircraft, despite a theoretical maximum of 18, as well as 8 Fuji Neptune III UAVs. AWACS are not present on the ship and such capabilities will have to be provided by fleet carriers, though TRDI is considering the possibility of a special AWACS UAV light enough to take off from the Hōshō-class, while still being able to provide the necessary awareness and coordination. The carriers posess 4 elevators and no catapults.

 

The Hōshō-class utilises the same sensoric systems as a fleet carrier, though it is not capable of serving the same roles. The Hōsho-class mostly is conceived as an auxiliary carrier, providing additional aircraft to a carrier force centered around a full-size fleet carrier, or providing some limited air cover to surface action groups or amphibious operations. The carrier can also be used as pure helicopter carrier when needed, by replacing the air wing with up to 20 Mitsubishi SH-60 ASW helicopters, however, such duties are currently left to designated helicopter destroyers and ordinary destroyers. Unlike fleet carriers, these light carriers are powered conventionally, utilising a CODAG configuration, allowing a maximum speed of 30 knots and a range of 6,000 nm at 18 knots cruising speed.

 

For their defense, these light carriers were equipped with 2 ONA 35 mm CIWS, 4 ONA missile-based CIWS and two Mk41 8-cell VLS, for a total of 16 missile cells, mostly used for point defense.

 

Ships in class:

  • Hōshō
  • Shōhō
  • Zuihō
  • Ryūhō

 

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Fuji Neptune III Reconaissance UAV

 

The Neptune III is a recon UAV, especially designed for carrier duty, though a land-based version will be made available to the air force. It is not a replacement for the Neptune II, which still has its uses as flying boat UAV, however, Neptune III is intented to provide similar services from a more stable launch platform in the presence of a carrier. Being carrier-borne the Neptune III thus uses a completely new airframe, with a much lower radar cross section and better flight characteristics. Thus, the flight altitude of the Neptune III is expected to be at over 12,000 metres altitude, almost double the flight altitude of the Neptune II. Still, like its predecessor, the new UAV is expected to have an endurance of 12 hours, a maximum speed in the high subsonic and the exact same sensorics suit, though with some slight improvements.

 

The Neptune III will be the first UAV in the Japanese inventory designed to work with Nepgear from the very introduction. Earlier Neptune II UAVs however are going to be converted, to be compatible with Nepgear. Nepgear UAV managment system is an advanced device, improving control of UAVs, information management, information security and networking ability of multiple drones and the mothership. Nepgear thus partly works in conjunction with IF, which establishes secure datalinks between different Japanese military assets, such as satelites, ships, tanks, aircraft and officers on the ground.

 

OOC: Ignore the insane number of aircraft in the first picture. And more on IF and whatnot at a later date maybe, when I'm not tired.

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Dispatch from the Office of the Foreign Minister:

 

The Empire of Tianxia expresses its formal concern about the naming of the carriers after ships used by the Japanese Empire in the Second Sino-Japanese War.  The use of such titles in the past was among the causes of the last conflict between our two now fraternal nations, and indeed ships which bore these names in the past were used to launch and support aggressive attacks against the Tianxia homeland.  It is our belief that such names should be kept in the dustbin of history where they belong.

 

It is important to mind history, the Axis powers were purely bad guys.  Had they triumphed the world would have been covered in a darkness the likes of which humanity has never seen.  We must be ever vigilant against any sort of attempt to rehabilitate this image.

Edited by Triyun
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Official Statement by the Fleet Ministry

 

We are saddened that the names we have chosen so far are seen in such a bad light in Tianxia. It has been not the intention of the Japanese nation to rekindle old disputes and no name was chosen in reference to ships used to wage war across the Asian continent in a bid for supremacy. The names however have been issued in an effort to keep a naval tradition of modern Japan alive. Given the sheer size of the Dai-Nippon Teikoku Kaigun throughout its history, a complete avoidance of any names that could be associated with it would require the complete change of all naming conventions and names currently used throughout our naval forces, given that by such logic, almost no ship within our naval forces could not be name-wise linked to some ship in the past that was similarly named. The current naming convention of the Nihon Kaigun is based on conventions that have been used for the greater part of post-Meiji Japan, including the post-War Japan. Unless we were to rename our ships to reflect a pre-Meiji naval tradition, such as that of the Shogunate, which had little convention and could be construed as having associations with the Imjin wars, we would have to found an entirely new naval tradition.

 

Thus, we would like to express our heartfelt regret over what has happened in the Second Sino-Japanese war and we apologise to the many people who were wronged by the armed forces of our nation, however, we see the naming convention of the fleet as an integral part of a Japanese naval tradition, which is integral part of Japanese martial culture.

 

Signed,

Date Seiranko, Minister of the Fleet

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Tradition if tradition is a tradition of evil is irrelevant. Should ships used to perpetrate war crimes have their names reused it would constitute one of the deepest breaches in the relationship between our two nations. No ship that bears these names will ever sail these waters.

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"For as long as a ship stays within Japanese service, it will keep a name conforming with our naming convention, derrived from a long tradition. Should the Emperor and Tianxia indeed demand the abandonment of our naval tradition, backing it up with threats, the Nihon Kaigun, in its entirety is resolved to solve the issue, by selling all vessels above the size of 1,000 tons off to Commonwealth nations or allies, breaking up all ships that prove to be unsellable and disbanding the Nihon Kaigun in its entirety. Then indeed, no ship that bears our naval tradition shall sail these seas."

-Date Seiranko, Minister of the Fleet

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With a new independent Japanese state, naturally, the matter of armed forces came up. However, while pretty much everyone agreed on the need for armed forces to continue to exist, the level of funding, structures and mission, all were up in the air. Without a clear dominant faction able to pass a bill on the matter constitutionally, it was quite a dire situation for the Tōgō Bakuryō Kaigi (Joint Chiefs of Staff), as well as pretty much the entire officer corps, which could not really work, knowing next to nothing about their future, until elections were over.

 

However, there was one service especially crippled. While the need for an army and an air force always was around and the acquisition of their equipment would always find funding, given they were vital to the national defense, the Nihon Kaigun, the nation's naval forces, was in a rather grim situation. With the special brand of being the ones to have caused the Shōkaku Incident, with all of the nation's ships seized by Tianxia and the nation not only in a time of relative peace, but also the region in an economic recession, it was not really looking like the Nihon Kaigun would, in the end, regain the size it once had. In effect, many naval officers and sailors were hoping for conservative victory, just in the hope that the naval forces would be build up as far as possible and they personally would keep their job. In a time when the economy was tanking and the labour market could need anything more than several thousand laid-off sailors.

 

Of course, there was also the fact that the Kokumin Hoshutō was the one party with the largest naval lobby in the country, where it seemed most likely they would care for these thousands of Japanese, who, while being only a small amount of the nation's labour force, were watched closely by the public. And the upper echelons of the national conservatives knew, even if Date was no longer by herself a threat (though she still was respected by segments of the party), the culling of the Nihon Kaigun would not be viewed favourably by the typical conservative voter and party member. So, even in times of fscal pressure and a pretty broad opposition to oversized naval spending, Akiyama would need to juggle interests wisely, if she wanted to survive politically.

 

Even worse however was that ship construction orders from prior to the Shōkaku Incident still existed to a great extent. Some orders had been cancelled. Among them, more aircraft carriers. What was incredibly tricky however, was the matter of the so-called Project 09 battleships, two battleships envisioned to be launched during Genka 9 (hence the name), which however, were not finished up to now, as the shipyards correctly envisioned changes in policy. The two ships, both planned to surpass the Shinano-class, are far too expensive for Japan to be of value, critics say, yet, the naval industry presses hard for the ships to be paid for and adopted, threatening even legal action, based on contracts agreed upon prior to the Shōkaku Incident. The two unfinished hulls, which would still need about a year to be finished, would cost the Japanese state over ¥1.45 trillion, according to optimistic estimates. The Jiyutō and the Minshutō both pointed out that Japan at the current time hardly has that kind of money, if it is to rebuild a navy. Even Prime Minister Akiyama has stated, that this much money can hardly be spent, when it practically leaves the Nihon Kaigun cash strapped and unable to purchase any other ships, relying on two battleships to defend Japanese waters.

 

OOC: Fixed image URLs in earlier posts.

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In a first settlement with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, regarding two finished warships which had been ordered a decade ago and which were laid down eight years ago in Genka 6. The National Diet has on the recommendation of the Kaigun-shō decided to pay and commission two Suzuya-class heavy destroyers, for the sum of ¥336 billion. The Kaigun-shō based its recommendation on past experiences with ships Suzuya and Mogami, which proved to be useful platforms for the fleet, offering a plentitude of capabilities for an economic price. According to the Kaigun-shō, even if the capabilities of the Nihon Kaigun are to be reduced in the Fleet reconstruction plan, the two new vessels would be economic assets, being only a bit larger than guided missile destroyers and holding space for several helicopters or Neptune II reconaissance UAVs, which in the absence of carriers might be a crucial capability to retain.

 

The two new ships are currently the sole ships operated by the Nihon Kaigun, until further settlements and purchases take place. While the Fleet and its ministry are still in deep crisis, with uncertain funding, far too much personel, a tarnished reputation and no clear plan whatsoever, and disputes with various shipbuilders around the country, the commissioning of the ships was a visible joy for many, as it was celebrated with a rendition of the famous Gunkan March by the Japanese Navy Tokyo Band, and several champagne bottles, as well as a good bit of confetti and free food. Many civilians, old and young were welcome to see the ships in all their glory and even a few prominent guests were present, among them Konoe Nobuhisa, together with his daughter Konoe Sakuya, Prime Minister Akiyama Kagami, and even former Fleet Minister Date Seiranko was present, though ex-Minister Date gave herself very modest and tried to blend into the masses. Nevertheless, during the more informal parts of the celebrations, several naval officers and even a few sailors approached Date and seemed very friendly with the dismissed politician.

 

The two ships meanwhile were named Mikuma and Kumano, after the Mikuma and Kumano rivers in Oita and Wakayama prefectures respectively.

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