Australia and Japan have started efforts to build up their amphibious forces in support of their deterrence strategies amid China’s aggression in the South China Sea, Breaking Defense reported Friday.Sydney J. Freedberg Jr. writes Japan has started to procure 52 amphibious assault vehicles and 17 Bell Boeing-built V-22 Osprey aircraft in an effort to equip its amphibious force.
Japan also has initiated efforts to turn its Western Army Infantry Regiment into an amphibious assault regiment that will work to recapture seized islands.
Australia has commissioned two Canberra-class amphibious ships built to transport eight helicopters and more than 1,000 troops, according to the report.
