Tag Archives: Izumo

Japan Launches Latest Helicopter Carrier

Japan Launches Latest Helicopter Carrier

Helicopter carrier Kaga (DDH-184) on Aug. 27, 2015. Japan Marine United Photo

Helicopter carrier Kaga (DDH-184) on Aug. 27, 2015. Japan Marine United Photo

Japan has launched the second in its new class of helicopter carrier — the largest Japanese ships since World War II — in a Thursday ceremony in Yokohama. Read More

Japan Commissions Largest Warship Since World War II

Japan Commissions Largest Warship Since World War II

An undated photo of JS Izumo (DDH-183) underway. The ship commissioned on March 25, 2015. JMSDF Photo

An undated photo of JS Izumo (DDH-183) underway. The ship commissioned on March 25, 2015. JMSDF Photo

A 24,000-ton helicopter carrier has formally entered the fleet of Japan’s Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) on Wednesday making the ship the largest warship Japan has fielded since the close of World War II. Read More

Japanese ‘Helicopter Destroyer’ Stirs Regional Tensions

Japanese ‘Helicopter Destroyer’ Stirs Regional Tensions

izumo

On Aug. 9, the Japanese Ministry of Defense held a naming ceremony for the Izumo, the latest ship to join the Maritime Self-Defense Forces. Officially a “helicopter carrier-type escort/destroyer,” Izumo was built at the Japan Marine United shipyards at Yokohama. Although publicly touted as an anti-submarine warfare platform, the ship is capable of filling a critical role in the defense of disputed Japanese territory. The launch has been reported with alarm in East Asia as resurgent territorial claims—exacerbated by nationalism and longstanding historical differences—have generated regional tension not seen for decades. Read More