Constitutional restrictions have barred the military from acquiring an aircraft carrier or some air-to-air refueling capabilities needed for long-range strikes
The actual wording in the Japanese Constitution that restricts their military is from Article 9
"Aspiring sincerely to an international peace based on justice and order, the Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes. 2) In order to accomplish the aim of the preceding paragraph, land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained. The right of belligerency of the state will not be recognized"
Which has not stopped them from building this.
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She's named Hyuga, 16000tons, carries 4 helicopters officially (capable of 18), and Japan is looking at acquiring F-35B VTOL fighters. Also, she does not have amphibious capability (no well deck), her only reason for existing is that flight deck.

Last Edited By: Angleae 03/22/09 11:39 PM. Edited 2 times.