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| JDS Izumo Helicopter Destroyer (File Photo) |
By Robert Farley
Japan has its largest post-war helicopter carrier — how will it use it?
As several contributors have noted, JDS Izumo has entered service with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force. Izumo is the largest carrier (or “helicopter-carrying destroyer”) constructed by Japan since World War II. The 27,000 ton, 31 knot flat-decked warship gives the JMSDF critical advantages in anti-submarine and amphibious capabilities, and immediately becomes one of the most effective units in the Asia-Pacific.
Izumo and her sister represent an evolutionary step beyond the Hyuga-class light carriers, which displace about 19,000 tons. With the experience gained from construction and operation of the Izumos, Japan could easily take the next step to an even larger flat-decked amphib, or potentially to a full fleet carrier.
However, the JMSDF faces two significant obstacles in pushing to the next step in carrier evolution.
Read the full story at The Diplomat