Izumo-class

Summary

Description

The Izumo-class destroyers are helicopter destroyers that belong to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). Officially classified as DDH (helicopter-carrying destroyer), they are the largest surface combatants of the JMSDF. The official unveiling of the lead ship took place in Yokohama on August 6, 2013. They are intended for anti-submarine warfare but also support peacekeeping and disaster relief operations. Notably, there are plans for both ships in the class to operate STOVL Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II aircraft after modifications, despite controversy regarding Japan's pacifist post-WWII constitution that restricts the possession of offensive weapons.

The first announcements of the Izumo-class destroyers by the Japanese Ministry of Defense came on November 23, 2009. They can carry up to 28 aircraft, with an initial complement of 7 anti-submarine warfare helicopters and 2 search and rescue helicopters. Additionally, the ships can accommodate 400 troops and 50 3.5 ton trucks or equivalent equipment. Equipped with 2 Phalanx CIWS and 2 SeaRAM for defense, they have 5 landing spots on the flight deck for simultaneous helicopter operations. Early in the concept, design details suggested the capability to support fixed-wing aircraft such as the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey and Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. Construction of the first ship began in 2011 with significant funding allocated in the fiscal 2010 budget.

The class consists of the Izumo, named after Izumo Province, and the Kaga, named after Kaga Province. Plans for a second ship were announced by The Asahi Shimbun in September 2011 and greenlit with a construction contract awarded to IHI Corporation in October 2012. Izumo was launched and commissioned in 2013 and 2015 respectively.

Following unveiling, officials emphasized the role of the Izumo class in national defense and disaster relief. Despite this, the ship's capabilities have raised concerns in China, especially given its potential to deploy fixed-wing aircraft, particularly the F-35B, due to design features built into the vessels from inception. The presence of aircraft elevators and specialized deck paint compatible with the F-35B suggests a strategic vision that includes the operation of fixed-wing aircraft. Reports in 2017 and subsequent years detailed deliberations for modifying the Izumo class to accommodate F-35Bs, with mixed reactions from international observers, particularly China. Japan's plans included potential cooperation with the US, which might involve US Marine Corps F-35Bs, and considerations for purchasing its own fleet of said aircraft.

The Japanese Cabinet approved the modification of the Izumo class to function as de facto aircraft carriers on December 18, 2018. The alterations include reinforcing the decks, modifying the flight deck's shape, and re-designating the ships to multi-purpose operation destroyers. An official approval for the expenditure to refurbish the Izumo class in line with F-35B operations was granted on December 30, 2019. Both ships, Izumo and Kaga, have started their respective conversion processes with the Izumo beginning the initial modifications in 2020. The Kaga followed with her conversion work starting in March 2022, expected to involve significant changes including the bow shape. On October 3, 2021, two USMC F-35Bs performed the first vertical landings and horizontal take-offs from the JS Izumo, marking a historic moment for Japan's naval aviation.

Technical specifications