Japan rises to the challenge of cuts and new threats

On 18 March, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) commissioned the first of two Hyuga-class ships, an 18,000-ton design that the service describes as a helicopter-capable destroyer (DDH).

With a flight deck stretching the full 197 m length of the ship, an island superstructure and a capacious aircraft hanger below, JS Hyuga (DDH 181) can accurately be described as an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter carrier.

Regardless of designation, Hyuga is the largest warship to enter Japanese service since the Second World War and its development has raised questions elsewhere in Asia about the country's overseas aspirations, with particular concern being voiced over the offensive capabilities of the new class.

What is clear, however, is that a reducing naval budget has necessitated a slow but steady shrinkage in the size of the fleet and a change in procurement priorities, at the same time as the JMSDF diversifies away from the force structure and missions associated with the Cold War.

Up to the early 1990s, the JMSDF's main tasks included the defence of the straits at Soya, Tsugaru and Tsushima to prevent a Soviet naval incursion. By 1995 the JMSDF fielded 62 surface combatants and 16 submarines.

Reforms set out in the 2004 National Defense Program Guidelines (NDPG) brought about a re-organisation of the fleet, cutting destroyer and frigate numbers to 52. Under current plans this will be reduced further, although submarine numbers have not been affected and will remain constant at a force level of 16 boats.