A video apparently recorded by a drone flying over Japan’s first aircraft carrier since World War II has sparked an investigation after being shared on Chinese social media. The footage and photos of JS Izumo were posted on Bilibili on March 26 by a user claiming to have captured them at the Yokosuka naval port in Kanagawa Prefecture. Japanese authorities are currently verifying the authenticity of the footage, which shows the Izumo undergoing modifications to become a light aircraft carrier along with sister ship JS Kaga. These upgrades are part of Japan’s efforts to enhance its defenses in response to China’s rapid military expansion.
The JS Izumo, the first of the two ships to be operationalized, has already completed the first phase of modifications, while the Kaga is still in the initial stage of upgrades. Both vessels are prohibited from being referred to as aircraft carriers due to Japan’s post-World War II constitution, which limits the country to defensive weapons. Once completed, the ships will be capable of accommodating F-35B fighter jets, with Japan set to purchase a total of 42 of these aircraft and receive the first batch next year. The unauthorized drone footage of the Izumo has raised concerns about security and tensions between Japan and China, exacerbated by conflicting territorial claims in the East China Sea.
The presence of the Izumo and Kaga, Japan’s largest surface combatants since World War II, has raised geopolitical anxieties in the region. China has expressed unease about the growing military cooperation between the United States, Japan, and the Philippines, all American defense treaty allies. The strategic significance of these ships, despite their smaller size compared to U.S. supercarriers, underscores Japan’s evolving defense posture. In the midst of these tensions, the unauthorized drone video has added a new layer of complexity to the already delicate relations between Japan and China.
The publication of the drone footage on Chinese social media has highlighted the challenges of monitoring and regulating civilian drone activity near military installations in Japan. Despite regulations against drone flights in sensitive areas, the video of the Izumo was initially taken down but has since been reposted and shared. The inclusion of Japan’s rising sun flag in the video has also stirred historical sensitivities and underscored the symbolic significance of the Izumo’s transformation into a light aircraft carrier. Both Japanese and Chinese authorities have yet to officially respond to requests for comments on the incident, further complicating the situation.
As tensions between Japan and China continue to simmer, the unauthorized drone video of the Izumo has become a focal point for discussions on regional security dynamics. The evolving capabilities of the Izumo and Kaga, as well as Japan’s broader defense strategy, are shaping the geopolitical landscape in East Asia. The implications of these developments, including the potential deployment of F-35B fighter jets, underscore the complex interplay of historical grievances, territorial disputes, and strategic ambitions in the region. Ultimately, the investigation into the drone footage of the Izumo serves as a reminder of the intricate webs of power and influence that shape contemporary international relations.
