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The rapid expansion of the Chinese navy worries Washington, which now sees the Japanese model of shipbuilding as a strategy to balance forces in the Indo-Pacific
The expansion of the Chinese navy has raised concerns on the global geopolitical stage, especially for the United States, which is seeking ways to balance naval power in the Indo-Pacific. In response, Washington is considering adopting the Japanese shipbuilding model, which stands out for its efficiency and consistency in the production of submarines and military vessels. The US-Japan partnership in shipbuilding could redefine defense and containment strategies in the region.
The Japanese model of shipbuilding
Unlike the United States, where the number of ships built varies according to the annual budget, Japan has maintained a steady pace of submarine production for decades, building one unit per year. This approach allows it to reduce costs, optimize labor and maintain stability in the shipping industry.
Since 2010, Japan has increased its submarine fleet from 16 to 22 units, without changing the production rate. The secret lies in the extension of the service life of each vessel, which has increased from 16 to 22 years. Japanese shipyards, operated by companies such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, work on an alternating manufacturing system, ensuring continuous expertise and avoiding fluctuations in production.
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Challenges faced by the US Navy
While Japan maintains its stable production capacity, the U.S. Navy faces operational and financial challenges. The total cost of the 46 ships currently under construction has tripled in just one year, jumping from $3,4 billion to $10,4 billion.
Other issues also concern the Pentagon:
- Construction delays: The average delivery time for an aircraft carrier has increased from 8 to 11 years, while attack submarines that used to take 6 years to complete now take 9 years;
- Shortage of labor: The lack of specialized workers in shipyards directly impacts the production of military vessels;
- Increased repair times: Ships that should return to service quickly spend months in maintenance due to a lack of adequate infrastructure.
Japan as a key player in US strategy
With a history of military cooperation dating back to World War II, the United States and Japan have strengthened their partnership in recent years. Washington has encouraged Tokyo to expand its military capabilities, not only to ensure the defense of the Japanese archipelago but also to act as a counterweight to China's naval buildup.
The US-Japan shipbuilding partnership allows Japan to invest in modernizing its military forces, leveraging technology and logistics American. There are also discussions about including Japan in the AUKUS pact, an alliance between the US, UK and Australia, created to contain Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific.
