True. More than a decade of shenanigans have gone into the Izumo class "Multi Purpose Destroyers," starting with the how they named the class, which was largely to appease the local doves. The two vessels were designed from the start to require minimal upgrades to go from "Helicopter Destroyers" to "Multi Purpose Destroyers" that could handle the F-35, which was the intent all along.
In truth, they're still "Defensive" ships. An estimated capacity of 16-20 F-35's / vessel, and only two of them, won't present any real offensive/strike capability in the modern context. They will provide a credible forward deterrent in the South China Sea, though. A little extra air cover and firepower close at hand, for when China gets confused about what is and isn't international waters, which is a navigational problem the PLA-Navy and Airforce seem to be having on a more frequent basis.
Spooky part of the world right now, with heavily armed ships and aircraft from numerous nations having differences of opinion about what is and isn't international waters and air space, and how far out over water each other's sphere of control extends. One pilot with a hangover, or in the middle of some emotionally distracting marital issues, and everything turns into a smoke show.
