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Japan has recently completed the conversion of the large ship 'Izumo' into a light aircraft carrier equipped with fighters. It has been confirmed that the Izumo light carrier will be in full operation as the US Marines are deployed here from next month. 



This is Kim Tae-hoon, a defense reporter specializing in defense.



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This is Japan's largest ship, the Izumo, launched in 2013. It operates with a helicopter with a full displacement of 27,000 tons and a length of 248 meters.



Japan has recently completed the so-called light carrier project, which remodels the Izumo deck to withstand the exhaust heat of fighter jets and the impact of take-off and landing since last year.



It was the first time Japan had an aircraft carrier since the end of World War II.



However, Japan does not have a vertical take-off and landing fighter such as the F-35B, so Izumo cannot serve as a light carrier for now.



But the US stepped in.



As early as next month, the US Marine Corps F-35B will be deployed to Izumo, and the Izumo light carrier will be operational.



[David Berger / Commander of the U.S. Marine Corps (last 2nd): Next month or November, the U.S. Marine Corps F-35B will be deployed and flown on a Japanese warship (Izumo).]



Japan will introduce the F-35B in earnest in 2024 The U.S. Marine Corps F-35B will operate the Izumo by 2020, and the 'Kaga', a ship of the same class as the Izumo, is also under renovation.



China is also rapidly increasing its carrier power by electrifying two carriers and building two more.



The Navy is planning to start designing the design from next year after receiving a budget of 7.2 billion won, saying that it needs a light carrier to strengthen its operational capabilities in remote seas.



However, along with pointing out that the cost of construction is too high,



[Shin Won-sik / People's Power Rep. (Last month, National Defense Commission): Experts (opinion) I don't know if (the cost of building a light aircraft carrier) will go up to 3 trillion or 4 trillion won, They deceived the people by making it premature.] The



construction project is expected to be difficult because there is strong opposition, such as being vulnerable to missile attacks. 



(Video coverage: Han Il-sang, video editing: Jo Moo-hwan)