Izumo-class destroyer

Izumo-class destroyer. The Izumo-class is a class of helicopter destroyer operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). As the largest surface combatants built in Japan since World War II, these vessels represent a significant evolution in Japanese naval aviation capabilities. The class was designed to enhance anti-submarine warfare and command-and-control functions, with potential for future operation of fixed-wing aircraft.

Design and development

The design of the Izumo-class emerged from Japan's long-standing requirement to counter the growing submarine threat in the Western Pacific, particularly from the People's Liberation Army Navy. It was developed under the National Defense Program Guidelines as a successor to the smaller Hyūga-class helicopter destroyer. Key strategic considerations included providing a platform for a larger number of SH-60 Seahawk helicopters and improving fleet command facilities for the Escort Flotilla. The program progressed under the oversight of the Ministry of Defense (Japan), with design work influenced by lessons from operating the Ōsumi-class tank landing ship and previous helicopter-carrying destroyers.

Construction and specifications

Both ships of the class were constructed by Japan Marine United at its Yokohama shipyard. The lead ship, JS Izumo, was laid down in 2012, launched in 2013, and commissioned in 2015. The second vessel, JS Kaga, was laid down in 2013, launched in 2015, and entered service in 2017. Each ship has a full-load displacement of approximately 27,000 tons and measures 248 meters in length. The propulsion system consists of a combined gas and gas (COGAG) plant driving two shafts, enabling speeds over 30 knots. The flight deck is capable of operating up to 14 helicopters simultaneously and features a large hangar and two aircraft elevators.

Operational history

Following its commissioning, *Izumo* has been a central asset of the JMSDF's Escort Flotilla 1, homeported at Yokosuka Naval Base. The ship has participated in numerous major exercises, including Annualex and Keen Sword, often with units from the United States Navy such as the USS Ronald Reagan. In 2021, *Izumo* began modifications to operate the F-35B Lightning II, with initial trials conducted in cooperation with the United States Marine Corps. *Kaga*, assigned to the Escort Flotilla 4 based at Kure Naval Base, has undertaken extended deployments, including a historic Indo-Pacific voyage in 2022 that included port calls in India and exercises with the Indian Navy and Royal Australian Navy.

Ships in class

The class consists of two vessels, both named after historical Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft carriers. JS Izumo (DDH-183) is the lead ship, named for the Izumo Province. JS Kaga (DDH-184) is the second unit, named after the former Kaga Province. Both ships are currently in active service, forming the core of the JMSDF's helicopter destroyer force and undergoing phased modifications to enhance their aviation capabilities.

Role and capabilities

The primary role of the Izumo-class is anti-submarine warfare, serving as a seagoing platform for a large squadron of SH-60K Seahawk helicopters. Secondary missions include fleet command and control, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief operations, as demonstrated during responses to events like the 2018 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi earthquake. The ships are equipped with the OQQ-23 bow sonar and the OYX-1 combat information system for tactical coordination. With their extensive modifications to support STOVL aircraft like the F-35B, their strategic role is expanding to include power projection and integrated air defense within the framework of the U.S.-Japan Alliance and Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy.

Category:Destroyer classes Category:Ships of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force