Re: PLAN Carrier Operations..News, Videos & Photos
Japan definitely does not have 30 destroyers rofl, it's more like 10 DDGs, 8 if we're counting Atago class as CGs. I believe JMSDF calls their frigates destroyers.
Japan has the following major combatants:
3 CVH (2 Hyuga and one 22DDH constructing)
12 DDG (Atago 2, Kongo 4, Akisuki 2, Hatakazi 2, Shirane 2)
36 FFG (Takaname 5, Murasame 9, Asagari 8, Hatsuyuki 8, Abukuma 6)
20 SS (Soryu 5, Oyashio 9, Harushio 4)
3 LPD (Osumi)
All of its destroyers and frigates are very capable, modern and well exercised. They have 48 of those guided missile surface combatants (I counted the Shirane as DDGs as opposed to DDHs because they carry three helos, but their weapons systems are a DDG fit). Their 20 subs are also very effective.
I would rate them as the second largest and most effective Navy in the region behind the US 7th fleet...but IMHO, the PLAN is rapdily closing that gap.
I am putting together a page and analysis of all of the major WESPAC fleets and will ping it here on SD when I complete it.
South Korea is also a very effective fleet...but smaller. 12 DDGs, 10 FFGs and 12 SS, with 2 LPHs (the second Dokdo nearing completion).
By comparison, right now the PLAN (once they get the 6 52cs to sea) has 17 modern DDGs, 36 modern FFGs (includes 20 Jiangweis), 8-9 SSNs, 34 modern SSs, 3 modern LPDs, 20 relatively new LSTs, and one new carrier CV. A very strong fleet. As they add another carrier, more FFGs, SSNs, SSs, LPDs and ultimately more DDGs they will surpass Japan (and with enough training with their modern equipment they are probably coming close to equaling them now) and ultimately Japan and Korea combined.