Japan's "flat top Destroyer" reminds me very much of when the Royal Navy wasn't allowed to have any new aircraft carriers in the 1970's and so
purchased three "Through-Deck Cruisers", Invincible, Illustrious and Ark Royal.
Like those ships, it strikes me as not really possible to operate the F-35 from this ship due to its limited deck length.
The decision was made that the basic platform would be almost identical, and each customer would adjust the weapons and some sensor systems to suit
their needs.
The Air Force and TRI have developed a new paint that will stand up better than any previous coating used on a stealth aircraft. It will save the
$14M.