Izumo-Class Helicopter Destroyers
Largest Japanese Warships Since WWII - Izumo-class are Japan's largest warships since 1945. 2 ships commissioned 2015, 2017. Huge (27,000 tons full - larger than WWII carriers!). Full-length flight deck (814 ft). Originally designed for 14 helicopters (SH-60K, MCH-101). Modified 2020s for F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters - now light aircraft carriers. Can operate up to 12 F-35B + helicopters. 16 VLS cells (ESSM), 2 Phalanx, SeaRAM. Advanced ASW (OQQ-23 sonar). Multi-role: ASW, air defense, amphibious support, disaster relief, command ship. Both active as of 2025. Officially "helicopter destroyers" but functionally light carriers. Largest JMSDF ships ever - comparable to WWII carriers in size. F-35B capability transforms Japanese naval power.
Specifications
- Displacement (std)
- 19500 t
- Displacement (full)
- 27000 t
- Length
- 813.6 ft
- Beam
- 124.7 ft
- Crew
- 470 (+ 520 air wing and troops)
- Ships built
- 2
- Commissioned
- 2015, 2017
- Decommissioned
- Active (as of 2025)
Performance
- Top speed
- 30 kn
- Range
- 10000 nm at 18 knots
Armor & Systems
- Belt
- None
In-Game
- Tier
- T8
- Game power
- 366.72
- Research cost
- 516,342
- Credit cost
- 256,704
Notable
- Largest Japanese warships since WWII (27,000 tons)
- Full-length flight deck (814 ft)
- Light aircraft carrier capability
- F-35B capable (after 2020s refits)
- 14 helicopters or 12 F-35B + helicopters
- Multi-role: ASW, amphibious support, disaster relief, air defense
- Largest JMSDF ships ever (as of 2025)
- Resemble aircraft carriers (but officially "destroyers")
- Both undergoing F-35B modifications (2020s)