"Self-Defense Forces are ready for combat," Japanese media reported that F-2 fighter jets conducted "anti-carrier exercises" in June.

【Text by Observer Net, Mountain Cat】

According to Japan's "Yomiuri Shimbun", in June this year, the Self-Defense Forces conducted an "attack exercise targeting aircraft carriers" near Okinawa. At that time, it coincided with the Chinese Navy's Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carriers conducting long-range practical training in the Western Pacific. The report stated that this indicates Japan has already prepared for "the increasing military threats from the Chinese Navy around the region".

The report said that according to several Japanese government-related sources, multiple Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-2 fighter jets participated in the exercise held in June. The exercise was conducted in the East China Sea north of the Diaoyu Islands and west of Okinawa Island, an area where the Liaoning aircraft carrier had previously traveled. The Liaoning had already left the area, and this place is not a designated area for the Self-Defense Forces' exercises. In addition, it was confirmed that the procedures for using the F-2 fighter jets equipped with anti-ship missiles to attack aircraft carriers were practiced.

Diagram showing the area of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's "anti-aircraft carrier exercise" as reported by the Yomiuri Shimbun

The report claimed that although the F-2 "has strong anti-ship attack capabilities, its stealth performance is limited". This exercise "deliberately deployed F-2 fighters rather than new aircraft", in order to "targetedly demonstrate" to China. According to Japanese government sources, from the timing and location, this exercise was "a clear signal to China that Japan is taking countermeasures".

The F-2 can carry up to four ASM-1/2 (80th type/93rd type) subsonic air-to-ship missiles per aircraft, which is currently the main aviation anti-ship mission platform of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. It can also carry two ASM-3A supersonic anti-ship missiles, which are reportedly delivered into service this year. After the aircraft crash incident on July 7th, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force still has 90 F-2A/B aircraft.

Photo: A Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-2 fighter jet carrying two auxiliary fuel tanks, four ASM-2 anti-ship missiles (training rounds), and two AAM-3 infrared dogfighting air-to-air missiles

During May and June this year, the Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carriers successively crossed the First Island Chain, heading to the Western Pacific for long-range practical training. This was the first time that the People's Liberation Army Navy had mobilized two aircraft carrier groups to conduct long-range combat training in the Western Pacific. The Japanese government analyzed that one of the two aircraft carriers played the role of the U.S. Navy's aircraft carrier, to practice the ability to prevent and interfere with U.S. military intervention during wartime.

According to data observed and compiled by the Japanese side, during the long-range training of the Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carriers, the two aircraft carriers conducted at least 1,120 sorties of carrier-based fighters and helicopters. During this period, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force also dispatched P-3C patrol aircraft to attempt to approach the formation for reconnaissance, but was intercepted and driven away by the J-15 carrier-based fighters launched from the Shandong aircraft carrier.

This article is exclusive to Observer Net. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

Original text: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7538369082974847528/

Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author. Welcome to express your attitude by clicking the [Top/Down] buttons below.