Index to Reviews – Locus Online
Japan's Stealth Embrace Of Aircraft Carriers Armed With F-35 Fighters
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) released new photos of the JS Kaga (DDH 184), which had been undergoing major modifications that will allow the Izumo-class helicopter carrier to operate with the Lockheed Martin F-35B.
In a post to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, the JMSDF's Escort Flotilla Four announced that the refit has been completed and the flattop is now undergoing sea trials.
JS Kaga underwent the year-long modifications at the JUM shipyard near her home port at the JMSDF Kure Naval Base, where the Escort Division Four of the Escort Flotilla Four is also based.
According to a report from Naval News, the transformation was largely completed earlier this year. "The bow section of its flight deck had been modified from a trapezoid into a square shape, similar to that found on the US Navy's Wasp-class and America-class amphibious assault ships."
The modifications were far more than cosmetic and included reinforcing the flight deck to support additional weight, placing additional guidance lights, drawing the yellow lines on the flight deck necessary for launching and landing F-35Bs, and fitting the ship with heat-resistant deck spots for vertical landings. The second and final modifications, which are expected to be made during Kaga's next overhaul beginning at the end of fiscal year 2026 (FY26), will reportedly include changes to the ship's interior compartments.
The JMSDF has also been modifying Kaga's sister ship, JS Izumo, as part of naval expansion. Beginning next April, the lead vessel of the Izumo-class will begin modifications of the bow section of its flight deck. The helicopter carriers measure over 800 feet (248 meters) in length and displace 27,000 tons, and while far smaller than the U.S. Navy's 100,000-ton nuclear-powered supercarriers, these are still the largest Japanese military ship built since the Second World War, can carry up to 14 helicopters.
Preparing for The F-35In November, a delegation from the JMSDF traveled to Norfolk, Virginia, to observe portions of the F-35 trials on the Royal Navy's aircraft HMS Prince of Wales (R09) to help them prepare for carrying out the same drills in 12 months with the Kaga.
The island nation is expected to receive six F-35Bs in 2024 from a total order of 42 aircraft and a provisional F35B squadron will be established the same year.
"Japan is acquiring the most F-35s of any international customer," Lockheed Martin noted on its website.
Japan Will Again Operate Sort of Aircraft CarriersAs previously reported, Tokyo hasn't operated actual aircraft carriers since the end of the Second World War, but in August 2013, Japanese officials announced that its two helicopter destroyers would be modified for use in national defense – notably to confront China's naval expansion.
However, the Japanese decision to modify the ships had been seen with caution in China, which has described it as an aircraft carrier in disguise and suggested that it could be used to launch other fixed-wing aircraft.
Japanese military sources have confirmed that the possibility of operating such fixed-wing aircraft had been incorporated into its design. However, that fact was not made public as Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution, which was adopted after World War II prohibited Japan from possessing offensive military weapons including aircraft carriers.
The Japanese Defense Ministry's recent record budget request of $52.9 billion will go toward ongoing naval upgrades as well as the procurement of F-35 jets and cruise missiles that can strike deep into enemy territory, Newsweek reported.
First Tests CompletedIn October 2021, months after it completed its first phase modifications, a United States Marine Corps F-35B conducted the first-ever takeoff and landing test on JS Izumo.
The event marked the first time since the days of the Imperial Japanese Navy that a fixed-wing aircraft took off from a Japanese vessel. It is also notable that the Imperial Japanese Navy also operated an aircraft carrier named after the Kaga Province – and it was a Tosa-class battleship converted into a carrier.
Although it won't have as sizeable a fleet as it had during the Second World War, the JMSDF will operate with far more advanced aircraft and could help serve as a deterrent to China in the Indo-Pacific region.
Author Experience and ExpertisePeter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu.
The Legislation Of The Dangerous Dogs Act And The Breeds Affected
There are four dog breeds that have been banned in the UK since the 1991 Dangerous Dog Act was passed, criminalising ownership of these breeds. This act allows the Police to become involved if a dog is suspected of being dangerous.
The Dangerous Dog Act (DDA) of 1991 was put into place after a rise of attacks on people resulting in serious injury or fatality. The act is split into sections; Sections 1 prohibits the ownership of certain types of dogs, unless exempted which is intended to have a preventative effect. Prosecutions can be brought before a court based on the physical appearance of the dog. Section 3 states that it is a criminal offence to allow any dog to be out of control or behaving dangerously in a public place. Legal action can be taken against the owner or the person in charge of the dog at the time, if the dog does injure a person.
These dogs share similar traits of strength and large size making them popular with the illegal dog fighting trade leading to their ban in the UK and various other countries. Dog breeds are banned by the government to prevent illegal activity such as dog fighting as well as to prevent attacks on humans. The ban in 1991 came into fruition after a series of dog attacks with 11 serious attacks just that year.
What were the four dogs banned in 1991?
Pit Bull Terrier – These dogs were developed in the 19th century from a bulldog and a terrier for hunting, capturing and restraining feral livestock. Due to the Pit Bulls body and jaw strength they were often used as fighting dogs being treated poorly in order to induce an aggressive temperament. Metro News states that these dogs are banned in various countries including Australia, France, Israel, Hong Kong, many states in the US and cities in Canada.
Japanese Tosa – The Tosa was bred in the 1800's with breeds such as the Bulldog and Mastiff to produce this heavy, agile and powerful dog. In the mid-19th century they were being bred as a fighting dog and so were quickly banned in the UK despite a small number being in the country.
Dogo Argentino – Developed in Argentina in the 1920s as a working dog. The Independent reports that this dog was produced for pack-hunting and big-game hunting coming from several dog breeds including an old fighting dog of Cordoba, the Viejo Perro de Pelea Cordobes, a dog which was nearly extinct at the time. The breed was banned in the UK due to them being imported into the country for illegal dog fighting.
Fila Brasileiro – More commonly known as the Brazilian Mastiff which is known in Brazil for its loyalty, Purina states. This dog is very strong and intelligent, originally used as a working dog and would catch their prey and hold it until the hunter arrived. This breed was also banned as a preventative measure due to dog being imported for illegal dog fighting.
On September 15th 2023, Rishi Sunak announced the plans to ban American Bully XLs in the UK. The UK government have set requirements and restrictions in place for the breed and owners of the breed to follow. From 31st December 2023 it will be against the law to sell, breed or rehome an XL bully breed. From 1 February 2024 it will be illegal to own an XL Bully in England and Wales unless your dog has a valid Certificate of Exemption. If you are found with a banned dog without a valid certificate of exemption you face an unlimited fine or up to 6 months in prison. The dog in possession will be taken away and in the absence of certification the dog will be destroyed.
There are legal requirements that must be followed by owners to ensure the safety of these dogs.
What are the next steps?
In regards to breeding, it will be illegal to do so. However, if the dog has already conceived them it will not be illegal for the puppies to be brought to full term. Although, it will be illegal to rehome or sell these puppies if they are born after 31 December. The government is allowing a 9-week period until this ban comes into force allowing puppies which were bred before this legislation was introduced to be legally sold. This allows for the puppies at the correct age of 8 weeks to be given a chance to find a home.
The XL bully is the first dog to be banned since the 1991 act due to a rise in attacks, as the Guardian reports that at least three of the seven attacks this year were linked to XL Bullies. As the breed is not officially recognised by the Royal Kennel Club there is no certainty of how many XL Bullies there are in the UK. The Bully Watch, a group which campaigned for the ban of the breed stated that they account for less than 1% of all owned dogs across the country.
The effectiveness of a ban is uncertain as data from the Metropolitan Police shows from 2015-16 which was 25 years after the DDA was introduced, pit bull terriers were responsible for 19% of dog attacks across London. The legislation will reduce the number but not eliminate the breed entirely and the concern of many is that a new breed will be introduced in the coming years.
What Dog Breeds Are Banned In The UK?
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the worldSign up to our free Morning Headlines emailXL Bully dogs are set to be banned in the UK following a spate of violent attacks this year.
From 31 December, the breed must be muzzled in public and it will also be illegal to sell, give them away or abandon them.
Furthermore, as of 1 February, owners can not own an XL Bully dog in England and Wales unless your dog has a valid Certificate of Exemption. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said, advertising, gifting and exchanging the pups will also be banned.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the restrictions on XL bullies earlier this year after labelling the breed a danger to the public.
Speaking to BBC Radio West Midlands in September, Mr Sunak said: "These American XL bully dogs are a danger to our communities and we are urgently working on ways to stop these attacks and to protect the public, not just in the West Midlands but across the country."
Which dog breeds are banned in the UK?American Bully(Getty Images)
The XL Bully was developed through the crossing of various bull breeds, including the American Pit Bull Terrier.
The breed is typically larger both in height and body body as it is more muscular than other bully breeds.
Height: An XL male no more than 23 inches tall and females up 22 inches.
Size: The males can weigh between 31 kilograms and 58 kilograms of muscle and bone.
Pit Bull Terrier(Getty Images/iStockphoto)
This breed, known as an American Pit Bull Terrier or just Pit Bull is a fighting dog first developed in the 19th century in England, Scotland and Ireland from a bulldog and a terrier.
Although pit bulls were bred and trained to be aggressive against other dogs, aggression against humans was not encouraged because the animals had to be handled by their trainers. The dogs that showed signs of aggression towards humans were not selected for breeding.
However, over recent years there has been a resurgence of dogfighting where the animals are bred to be aggressive.
After a number of fatal attacks in England and Wales by Pit Bulls on humans between 1981 and 1991 – the UK government decided to take action and ban the breed in 1991 under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
Size: Medium-sized dogs, with males weighing around 13 to 36 kilogrammes.
Height: 19 inches.
Japanese Tosa(Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The Japanese Tosa, also called the Japanese Mastiff, is a breed of fighting dog created in Japan in the mid-nineteenth century.
"Outside Japan, the Tosa was crossbred with large and giant breeds, including the Great Dane and Mastiff, to produce very large individuals, while those bred in Japan remain truer to the original type, at around half the size," Dog Zone.Com says.
The breed is considered "dangerous" in the UK and controlled very strictly in Ireland. If the dog is not trained and socialised properly, it can be aggressive towards strangers and it is not recommended for families with children and other pets.
The Japanese Tosa was also banned in 1991 under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
Size: The breed generally weighs between 36 to 61 kg.
Height: 24 to 32 inches.
Dogo Argentino(Getty Images/iStockphoto)
A breed of a "working dog" developed in Argentina in the 1920s as a pack-hunting and big-game hunter – these are dogs that are known to hunt bigger animals.
The breed was created by two brothers, the Argentinian physicians Antonio and Agustín Nores Martinez. They decided to mix the nearly extinct Viejo Perro de Pelea Cordobés which was an old fighting dog of Cordoba, with several other breeds.
Due to it being a potentially dangerous breed, this animal has also been banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
Size: Weighs between 36 to 45kg.
Height: 24 to 27 inches.
Fila Brasileiro(Getty Images/iStockphoto)
This breed was developed in Brazil many centuries ago as a large game-hunting dog and a working dog. The Fila Brasileiro is also known as the Brazilian Mastiff, Brazilian Bloodhound, Cao de Brasil, Cao de Fila, and the Fila.
The word "filar" in Portuguese means to "hold, arrest, grab," – which is why it has been named such - given that the breed is known to be instinctively protective, extremely wary of strangers and incredibly agile when protecting its master.
This animal is banned or restricted in a number of countries including the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Denmark, and others.
Size: Weighs between 40 to 81 kg.
Height: 25 to 30 inches.
Comments
Post a Comment