Confirmation of new class:
new helicopter carrier part of defense budget
The Ministry of Defense released its 4.85-trillion-yen budget plan for the next fiscal year on Monday, including provisions for upgrading the nation's missile defense system and purchasing a new helicopter carrier..........
As well as missile defense, the ministry plans to purchase a new helicopter carrier for the Maritime Self-Defense Force, based on the Hyuga-class helicopter destroyer. The new 116.6-billion-yen carrier will be 25 percent longer than the Hyuga, capable of carrying nine helicopters that can conduct operations simultaneously. In addition, it will a have limited naval resupply capability, and as well as antisubmarine operations -- in light of the Chinese Navy's recent submarine construction. The new carrier will also be able to take part in disaster relief and U.N. peacekeeping activities.....