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Japan Maritime Self Defense Force Commissioned DDH183 Izumo Helicopter Destroyer

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Naval Forces News - Japan
 
 
 
Japan Maritime Self Defense Force Commissioned DDH183 Izumo Helicopter Destroyer
 
The Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) future helicopter carrier DDH138 Izumo was commissioned today in Yokosuka naval base according to a statement on the JMSDF website. Izumo will become the flagship of the JMSDF fleet and is the largest warship built by Japan since World War II. The 248-meter-long and 19,500-ton helicopter carrier was unveiled for the first time in August 2013 in Yokohama.
     
The Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) helicopter carrier DDH138 Izumo was commissioned today in Yokosuka naval base according to a statement on the JMSDF website. Izumo will become the flagship of the JMSDF fleet and is the largest warship built by Japan since World War II. The 248-meter-long and 19,500-ton helicopter carrier was unveiled for the first time in August 2013 in Yokohama.
DDH183 Izumo is 248-meter-long and 19,500-ton. It is the largest warship built by Japan since World War II.
     
Izumo is able to accomodate nine helicopters. The ceremony took place with some 3,600 people, including the Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso.

According to the Japanese Ministry of Defense, the helicopter carrier is expected to play a key role both in defense of territorial sovereignty, in rescue missions, and in case of natural disasters.

Independent experts, however, believe that the warship, given its large size, could conceivably one day be used as a versatile aircraft carrier and serve as a platform to launch fighter aircraft capable of vertical takeoff (such the F-35B)

To learn more: Izumo class (22DDH) Helicopter Destroyer Technical Datasheet