Page 28 - ADT MARCH 2023 Latest Magazine | GBP

 DSEi JAPAN SHOW PREVIEW
JS IZUMO BEING MODIFIED FOR helicopter operational functions, and anti-sub-
marine operations, command and control
F-35B TAKE-OFF AND LANDING functions, personnel and vehicle transport
capabilities, medical functions and others. The
operational functions of F-35B fighters will be
added to these functions. However, the ves-
sels are expected to be equipped with F-35Bs
when needed for instances such as air-defence
in the Pacific during contingencies, exercises,
and disaster response. The vessels will continue
to be operated as multi-function destroyers to
ensure that the vessels’ functions are fully lev-
eraged in various situations.

“Refurbishments are being implemented by the
SDF in stages to enable take-off and landing
The Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (MSDF) destroyer JS Izumo of F-35B fighters on Izumo-class destroyers,
is undergoing modifications to enable the take-off and landing of utilising long term repair regular inspections.
F-35 Bs.In October 2021, with the support of the US Marine Corps Last year, the first refurbishment, a partial refur-
and others, and F-35B takeoff and landing verification test was bishment including applying heat resistance
conducted, confirming that the fighters are capable of taking off quoting and indicator marking to the flight deck
and landing from the destroyer. for F-35B take-off and landing, of JS Izumo to
enable take-off and landing of F-35B, was com-
The verification was the first on a MSDF vessel, and it was confirmed pleted,” the official said.
that takeoff and landing was possible without any difficulty in calm
weather conditions during day time. Furthermore, in addition to
gathering various types of data associated with takeoff and landing, Refurbishing the Izumu-class destroyers and
necessary education and training regarding F-35Bs on vessels were enabling take-off and landing of F-35Bs at
conducted with the support of the US, and the MSDF has been able sea is essential to ensure a full-fledged posture
to gain knowledge,” an MSDF official said. to defend Japan’s sea and air-space, which
includes part of the vast Pacific Ocean, while
Izumo-class destroyers are multi-function destroyers that possess securing the safety of SDF personnel, he added.

PATRIA HOPEFUL OF EXPANDING in five years, with 29 vehicles to be acquired in
2023 alone. The vehicle will replace the Japan
SOUTHEAST ASIAN FOOTPRINT Ground Self-Defense Force’s Komatsu Type-96
8×8 APC vehicles as its new 8×8 APC vehicle. The
Patria, international provider of defence, security and aviation AMV vehicle family has proven to be a popular
lifecycle support services, technology solutions and pilot training, choice for international militaries; Japan will be
comes to DSEI Japan riding the wave of momentum. the ninth user country.

In December last year, the Finnish company’s AMV XP armoured The company is no stranger to the country. It has
modular vehicle was selected for the Japanese Ministry of Defence’s been involved in Japan’s Wheeled Armoured
Personnel Carrier (WAPC) programme since 2018
(MoD) Wheeled Armoured Personnel Carrier (WAPC) programme. and has also established a subsidiary, Patria
The country is planning to procure about 140 armoured vehicles
Japan. The selection of the AMV XP armoured
modular vehicle is expected to give a fillip to the
company’s industry partnerships in the country
as Patria has obtained the license to manufac-
ture the vehicle in Japan.
The company has been able to expand its global
footprint in recent years, with customers in every
region. Among its products that has evoked
plenty of interest in international military circles
is the NEMO Navy missile system, a single-barrel
remote-controlled 120 mm mortar system. The
company is reportedly in an advanced stage of
negotiations with customers in Southeast Asia
for the delivery of the system.
28 | MARCH 2023 WWW.GBP.COM.SG/ADT