Izumo-class destroyer

JS Izumo (DDH-183)
Class overview
NameIzumo class
BuildersJapan Marine United
Operators Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force
Preceded byHyūga class
Cost113.9 billion yen for construction of first unit
Built2012–2017
In commission2015–present
Planned2
Completed2
Active2
General characteristics
Type
Displacement
  • 19,500 tons standard;[1]
  • 26,000 tons full load[1]
Length248 m (813 ft 8 in)[1]
Beam38 m (124 ft 8 in)[1]
Draft7.5 m (24 ft 7 in)[1]
Depth23.5 m (77 ft 1 in)[1]
Installed power112,100 hp (83,600 kW)[1]
Propulsion
Speed30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph)[1]
Complement520 including flag staffs[1]
Sensors and
processing systems
  • ATECS (advanced technology command system)
  • OYQ-12 combat direction system
  • OPS-50 AESA radar
  • OPS-28 surface-search radar
  • OQQ-23 bow sonar
Electronic warfare
& decoys
  • NOLQ-3D-1 EW suite
  • Mark 36 SRBOC
  • Anti-torpedo mobile decoy (MOD)
  • Floating acoustic jammer (FAJ)
Armament
Aircraft carried

The Izumo-class destroyers (いずも型護衛艦, Izumo-gata-goei-kan) are helicopter destroyers in service with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).[2][3] The official classification of these ships is DDH (helicopter-carrying destroyer),[4] which is accepted by the United States Naval Institute;[2] in contrast, Jane's Fighting Ships describes this official classification, but the classification is simply "helicopter carrier".[3]

The ships of this class are currently the largest surface combatants of the JMSDF, taking over the mantle previously held by the Hyūga-class helicopter destroyers. The lead ship was officially unveiled at Yokohama on 6 August 2013.[5]

Both ships of the class are planned to operate STOVL Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II aircraft after modifications. The modifications have been controversial as they seemingly violate Japan's post-World War II pacifist constitution,[verification needed] which restricts the country from possessing highly offensive weapons, such as aircraft carriers.[6][7] Japanese and US officials have stated the vessels are not in violation, describing the vessels as defensive.[8]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Kaijin-sha 2019, pp. 108–115.
  2. ^ a b Wertheim 2013, pp. 360–361.
  3. ^ a b Saunders 2015, p. 436.
  4. ^ Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. "護衛艦「いずも」型" [DDH "IZUMO" Class] (in Japanese). Retrieved 5 January 2023.
  5. ^ "Japan unveils new carrier-like warship, the largest in its navy since World War II". The Washington Post. Associated Press. 6 August 2013. Archived from the original on 6 August 2013. Retrieved 6 August 2013.
  6. ^ "Japan slammed over 'useless and provocative' aircraft carriers". South China Morning Post. 19 December 2018.
  7. ^ "Japan shrugs off constitutional concerns, but question remains: Are aircraft carriers necessary?". Japan Times. 19 December 2018. Archived from the original on 19 December 2018.
  8. ^ Sim, Walter (18 December 2018). "Japan gives nod to first aircraft carriers since WWII, says move does not violate pacifist Constitution". The Straits Times.