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Japan mulls a successor to Oosumi-class transport vessels

19th March 2021 - 00:05 GMT | by Koji Miyake in Tokyo

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The JMSDF will have to replace its Oosumi-class transport vessels, but their replacement does not seem to have been given the priority it deserves.

Island defence is an important theme for Japan. The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force established its Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB), consisting of around 3,000 personnel, in 2018, but the current maritime transport capacity is insufficient.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) possesses three 14,225t Oosumi-class transport vessels, but they can lift less than half the ARDB.

It is now time to consider a successor to the Oosumi class. These LPDs have a flight deck and well dock, but they cannot accommodate the CH-47 or MV-22 aboard because they are not equipped with a hangar or elevator for such aircraft.

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