Izumo-class

The Izumo-class consists of two aircraft-carrying multi-role destroyers operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). The Japanese Ministry of Defense announced plans for the class in 2009 to replace the Shirane-class destroyers. Construction of the lead ship, Izumo, began in 2011 at the IHI Marine United shipyard in Yokohama, followed by the second vessel, Kaga, in 2013.

The vessels are currently the largest surface combatants in the JMSDF. While officially classified as helicopter-carrying destroyers (DDH), the Japanese government indicated in 2024 that the classification may change to aircraft-carrying multi-role escort ships (CVM). The ships feature a full-length flight deck with five helicopter landing spots. Internal capacity allows for the transport of 400 troops and 50 3.5-ton trucks. Although initially intended for anti-submarine warfare, peacekeeping, and disaster relief, design provisions for fixed-wing aircraft operations were incorporated from the early stages of development.

Following a 2018 cabinet decision, both vessels are undergoing a two-stage modification process to operate STOVL Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II aircraft. These refits include reinforcing the flight deck to withstand the heat and weight of jet exhaust and reconfiguring the trapezoidal bow into a rectangular shape to facilitate safe aircraft operations.

Izumo entered service in March 2015, based at Yokosuka, while Kaga was commissioned in March 2017 and homeported at Kure. In October 2021, two United States Marine Corps F-35Bs conducted the first vertical landings and horizontal take-offs from Izumo, marking the first fixed-wing operations from a Japanese carrier since 1945. Kaga completed its initial flight deck modifications, including the rectangular bow conversion, in early 2024. Final internal and structural modifications for both ships are scheduled for completion by the end of fiscal year 2027.