Japanese Helicopter Carrier to Show the Flag in South China Sea

Japanese Helicopter Carrier Kaga to Embark On Two-Month Tour of South China Sea and Indian Ocean (excerpt)

Japan is sending its largest helicopter carrier, the Kuga, together with an escort ship, on a two-month cruise to show the flag around the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean. (JMSDF photo)

Japan will send a large helicopter carrier to the South China Sea and Indian Ocean for a second straight year as it looks to bolster its presence in the strategic maritime region with annual tours, two Japanese officials said.

“This is part of Japan’s efforts to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said one of the officials, who has direct knowledge of the plan for a two-month tour beginning in September.

The 248 meter-long (814 feet) Kaga, which can operate several helicopters simultaneously, will make stops in Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia and at ports in India and Sri Lanka, said the sources who asked not to be identified because they are not authorized to speak to the media.

The Kaga, which will be accompanied by an escort ship, may also conduct ad hoc joint drills with warships from other counties in the region, they said.

Japan last year sent its sister ship, the Izumo, on a similar tour of the contested South China Sea and the Indian Ocean. (end of excerpt)

Click here for the full story, on the Japan Times website.

-ends-

Let's block ads! (Why?)

from Defense Aerospace - Press releases https://ift.tt/2ub5WLU
via Defense