Izumo-class destroyer
{{Short description|Japanese helicopter carrier class}}
{{distinguish|Izumo-class cruiser}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2021}}
| {{Infobox ship begin
}} {{Infobox ship image | Ship image = JS Izumo（DDH-183）seen from the sky 10-03-2021.jpg | Ship caption = JS Izumo (DDH-183) }} {{Infobox ship class overview | Name = Izumo class | Builders = Japan Marine United | Operators = {{navy|Japan}} | Class before = {{sclass|Hyūga|helicopter destroyer|4}} | Class after = | Subclasses = | Cost = 113.9 billion yen for construction of first unit | Built range = 2012–2017 | In service range = | In commission range = 2015–present | Total ships building = | Total ships planned = 2 | Total ships completed = 2 | Total ships cancelled = | Total ships active = 2 | Total ships laid up = | Total ships lost = | Total ships retired = | Total ships preserved = }} {{Infobox ship characteristics | Ship type = * helicopter-carrying destroyer
| Ship displacement = *19,500 tons standard;{{Sfn|Kaijin-sha|2019|pp=108-115}}
| Ship length = {{convert|248|m|ftin|abbr=on}}{{Sfn|Kaijin-sha|2019|pp=108-115}} | Ship beam = {{convert|38|m|ftin|abbr=on}}{{Sfn|Kaijin-sha|2019|pp=108-115}} | Ship height = | Ship draft = {{convert|7.5|m|ftin|abbr=on}}{{Sfn|Kaijin-sha|2019|pp=108-115}} | Ship depth = {{convert|23.5|m|ftin|abbr=on}}{{Sfn|Kaijin-sha|2019|pp=108-115}} | Ship hold depth = | Ship decks = | Ship deck clearance = | Ship power = {{convert|112,100|hp|lk=on|abbr=on}}{{Sfn|Kaijin-sha|2019|pp=108-115}} | Ship propulsion = *COGAG, two shafts{{Sfn|Kaijin-sha|2019|pp=108-115}} | Ship speed = {{convert|30|kn|lk=in}}{{Sfn|Kaijin-sha|2019|pp=108-115}} | Ship range = | Ship endurance = | Ship boats = | Ship troops = | Ship complement = 520 including flag staffs{{Sfn|Kaijin-sha|2019|pp=108-115}} | Ship crew = | Ship sensors = *ATECS (advanced technology command system) | Ship EW = *NOLQ-3D-1 EW suite
| Ship armament = *2 × Phalanx CIWS | Ship aircraft = *7 ASW helicopters and 2 SAR helicopters{{Sfn|Kaijin-sha|2019|pp=108-115}}
| Ship aircraft facilities = | Ship notes = }} |
The {{nihongo|Izumo-class destroyers|いずも型護衛艦|Izumo-gata-goei-kan}} are helicopter destroyers in service with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).{{Sfn|Wertheim|2013|pp=360-361}}{{Sfn|Saunders|2015|p=436}} The official classification of these ships is DDH (helicopter-carrying destroyer),{{Cite web|url=https://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/equipment/ships/ddh/izumo/|title=護衛艦「いずも」型|trans-title=DDH "IZUMO" Class|access-date=January 5, 2023|author=Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force|language=ja}} which is accepted by the United States Naval Institute;{{Sfn|Wertheim|2013|pp=360-361}} in contrast, Jane's Fighting Ships describes this official classification, but the classification is simply "helicopter carrier".{{Sfn|Saunders|2015|p=436}}
The ships of this class are currently the largest surface combatants of the JMSDF, taking over the mantle previously held by the {{sclass|Hyūga|helicopter destroyer|1}}s. The lead ship was officially unveiled at Yokohama on 6 August 2013.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/japan-unveils-new-carrier-like-warship-the-largest-in-its-navy-since-world-war-ii/2013/08/06/8fae14d8-fe79-11e2-8294-0ee5075b840d_story.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130806220608/http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/japan-unveils-new-carrier-like-warship-the-largest-in-its-navy-since-world-war-ii/2013/08/06/8fae14d8-fe79-11e2-8294-0ee5075b840d_story.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 August 2013|title=Japan unveils new carrier-like warship, the largest in its navy since World War II |newspaper=The Washington Post |agency=Associated Press|date=6 August 2013|access-date=6 August 2013}}
Both ships of the class are planned to operate STOVL Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II aircraft after modifications. The modifications have been controversial as some claim these ships seemingly violate Japan's post-World War II pacifist constitution, which restricts the country from possessing highly offensive weapons, such as "attack aircraft carriers".{{cite news |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/2178610/useless-and-provocative-japan-getting-its-first-post-war |title=Japan slammed over 'useless and provocative' aircraft carriers |date=19 December 2018 |newspaper = South China Morning Post}}{{cite news |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/12/19/national/japan-shrugs-off-aircraft-carrier-constitutional-concerns-question-remains-warships-necessary/ |title=Japan shrugs off constitutional concerns, but question remains: Are aircraft carriers necessary? |date=19 December 2018 |newspaper =Japan Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181219095126/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/12/19/national/japan-shrugs-off-aircraft-carrier-constitutional-concerns-question-remains-warships-necessary/ |archive-date=2018-12-19}} However, according to the Japanese government’s definition, "attack aircraft carriers" refer specifically to carriers designed solely for nuclear bombers to conduct nuclear strikes.[https://kokkai.ndl.go.jp/txt/119815254X02420190607/21 第198回国会 参議院 本会議 第24号 令和元年6月7日 政府答弁] Aircraft carriers equipped with conventional fighter jets or attack aircraft—whether they are small light carriers or large nuclear-powered carriers—are not considered illegal.[https://kokkai.ndl.go.jp/txt/111215261X00419880311/206 第112回国会 参議院 予算委員会 第4号 昭和63年3月11日 政府答弁] Thus, Japanese and US officials have stated the vessels are not in violation, describing the vessels as defensive.{{cite web |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/japan-gives-nod-to-first-aircraft-carriers-since-wwii-says-move-does-not-violate |title=Japan gives nod to first aircraft carriers since WWII, says move does not violate pacifist Constitution|work= The Straits Times|first= Walter |last=Sim |date=18 December 2018 }}
Development
The Japanese Ministry of Defense (MOD) first announced plans for the class on 23 November 2009. This ship's primary mission is anti-submarine warfare (ASW) but peacekeeping and disaster relief operations are also being considered.{{cite news |title=平成２１年度政策評価書（事前の事業評価） |author= Ministry of Defense |author-link= Ministry of Defense (Japan) |url=https://www.mod.go.jp/j/approach/hyouka/seisaku/results/21/jizen/honbun/01.pdf |access-date=18 September 2011}}
File:JMSDF DDH-183 SeaRam.JPG.]]
The ship carries up to 28 aircraft.{{cite web |last1=Hardy |first1=James |url=http://www.janes.com/article/50196/japan-commissions-helicopter-carrier-izumo |title=Japan commissions helicopter carrier Izumo |website=janes.com |date=25 March 2015 |access-date=20 May 2015}} However, only 7 ASW helicopters and 2 search and rescue (SAR) helicopters are planned for the initial aircraft complement. For other operations, 400 troops and 50 3.5 ton trucks (or equivalent equipment) can also be carried. The flight deck has 5 helicopter landing spots that allow simultaneous landings or take-offs. The ship is equipped with 2 Phalanx CIWS and 2 SeaRAM for its defense.{{Sfn|Kaijin-sha|2019|pp=108-115}} The destroyers of this class were initially intended to replace the two ships of the {{sclass|Shirane|destroyer|4}}, which were originally scheduled to begin decommissioning in FY2014.
In 2010, Forecast International reported that some design features were intended to support fixed wing aircraft such as the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey and Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, although neither the MOD nor the JMSDF have mentioned the possibility of introducing carrier-based fixed-wing aircraft.{{cite news |title=Details of New Japanese 'Helicopter Destroyer' |author= Forecast International|url=http://www.defencetalk.com/details-of-new-japanese-helicopter-destroyer-27119/ |newspaper=Defensetalk |date=21 June 2010}} The ship has neither a "ski-jump" nor a catapult, typical features for launching fixed-wing aircraft.Holm, Erik. "[http://ing.dk/artikel/japan-soesaetter-stoerste-krigsskib-siden-anden-verdenskrig-160848 Japan launches biggest warship since WW2]" (in Danish). Ingeniøren, 12 August 2013. Accessed: 12 August 2013.
The construction of the first ship of the class began in 2011 at an IHI Marine United shipyard in Yokohama,{{cite news|title=ＩＨＩ、防衛省からヘリコプター搭載護衛艦を８００億円で受注|url=http://www.nikkan.co.jp/news/nkx0120110401agbx.html|newspaper=Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun|date=1 April 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217135405/http://www.nikkan.co.jp/news/nkx0120110401agbx.html|archive-date=17 December 2014}} with funding totalling 113.9 billion yen ($1.5 billion) being set aside in the fiscal 2010 budget for this purpose.
Ships in the class
In September 2011, The Asahi Shimbun{{cite news |title=Defense Ministry plans second helicopter destroyer |url=http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201109160363.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120722015746/http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201109160363.html |archive-date=22 July 2012 |newspaper=The Asahi Shimbun |date=17 September 2011 |access-date=17 September 2011 |url-status=dead}} reported that the Ministry of Defense was to proceed with a budget request calling for funds for the construction of the planned second unit in the class. The request was approved and the construction contract was awarded to IHI Corporation in October 2012.{{cite news|url=http://www.nikkan.co.jp/news/nkx0120121001baae.html|script-title=ja:ＩＨＩＭＵ、防衛省からヘリ搭載護衛艦を受注|date=1 October 2012|access-date=9 August 2013|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130311143435/http://www.nikkan.co.jp/news/nkx0120121001baae.html|archive-date=11 March 2013|url-status=dead}} This will come under the Defense Ministry's Mid-Term Defense Program FY2011-2015. The first ship in the class, Izumo was launched on 6 August 2013. The ship was commissioned on 25 March 2015.{{cite news|last1=Reynolds|first1=Isabel|title=Japan's Biggest Warship Since World War II Enters Service|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-03-25/japan-s-biggest-warship-since-world-war-ii-enters-service|access-date=24 March 2017|work=Bloomberg|date=25 March 2015}}
Izumo was named after {{nihongo|Izumo Province|出雲国|Izumo no kuni}} (present-day Shimane Prefecture), and Kaga after {{nihongo|Kaga Province|加賀国|Kaga no kuni}} (present-day Ishikawa Prefecture).
Modifications to accommodate STOVL operations
On 6 August 2013, {{JS|Izumo}} was unveiled in Yokohama, south of Tokyo, Japan. Japanese officials claimed it would be used in national defense, specifically citing anti-submarine warfare and border-area surveillance missions. Additionally, it is asserted to bolster Japan's ability to transport personnel and supplies in response to large-scale disasters. This unveiling occurred at a time of heightened tensions over the Senkaku Islands.
The biggest warships in Japan's fleet since World War II, "raised eyebrows in China and elsewhere because it bears a strong resemblance to a conventional aircraft carrier" and has been described by the Chinese as an "aircraft-carrier in disguise."{{cite news|url= https://www.economist.com/news/asia/21583292-country-launches-its-biggest-warship-second-world-war-wide-mouthed-frog |title=Japanese security: Wide-mouthed frog |newspaper=The Economist |date=10 August 2013 |access-date=7 June 2015 }} Though called a destroyer, provisions aboard the vessels indicated that the ships could be used in the future to launch fighter jets (F-35B) or other fixed wing VTOL aircraft.
Japanese military sources confirmed that the possibility of operating fixed wing aircraft was incorporated into the design of the ships from the earliest stages of the Izumo program, but this was not made public yet at that moment. The aircraft elevators and the deck paint were designed to handle aircraft like the F-35B, and it would be possible to add a ski-jump to the flight deck for STOVL operations.{{cite web |url=https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/the-ship-that-dare-not-speak-its-name/ |title=The ship that dare not speak its name |work=The Strategist |last=Radford |first=Philip |date=13 August 2013 |access-date=27 June 2021 }}{{Cite web | url= http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201802230054.html | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180223115246/http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201802230054.html | archive-date= 23 February 2018 |title = MSDF helicopter flattop Izumo designed as aircraft carrierT|work=The Asahi Shimbun |url-status=dead}}{{Cite web | url= http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/18855/officials-admit-japans-helicopter-destroyers-were-also-designed-for-jets |title = Officials Admit Japan's 'Helicopter Destroyers' Were Also Designed for Jets |last=Rogoway |first=Tyler |work=TheDrive |date=27 February 2018 |access-date=27 June 2021 }}{{Cite web | url= https://blog.usni.org/posts/2018/02/28/like-the-izumo-class-just-wait-for-the-follow-on-class | title=Like the Izumo Class? Just Wait for the Follow-on Class |publisher=United States Naval Institute |date=28 February 2018 |access-date=27 June 2021 }}
In December 2017, several sources including Reuters and Yomiuri Shimbun reported that the Japanese government was contemplating modifying the Izumo class to operate F-35B STOVL aircraft.{{cite web |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-defence-carrier/japan-considers-refitting-helicopter-carrier-for-stealth-fighters-government-sources-idUSKBN1EK0CF |title= Japan considers refitting helicopter carrier for stealth fighters: government sources |website=Reuters |last1= Kubo |first1=Nobuhiro |last2= Kelly |first2= Tim |date=26 December 2017 |access-date= 27 September 2018 }} Multiple plans were reportedly under consideration, some of which call for US Marine Corps F-35s to use the vessels while others for Japan to procure its own aircraft.{{cite web|url= http://www.the-japan-news.com/news/article/0004148477|title=Govt eyes converting Izumo to aircraft carrier|date=26 December 2017|website=The Japan Times (Yumiuri Shimbun)|archive-url= https://archive.today/20171227230118/http://www.the-japan-news.com/news/article/0004148477|archive-date=27 December 2017|access-date=27 December 2017}}{{cite web|url= http://www.janes.com/article/76663|title=Japan considers F-35B for carrier ops, national media reports|last1=Jennings|first1=Gareth|date=27 December 2017|website=IHS Jane's 360|archive-url= https://archive.today/20171227230615/http://www.janes.com/article/76663/japan-considers-f-35b-for-carrier-ops-national-media-reports|archive-date=27 December 2017|access-date=27 December 2017}} The plan quickly raised criticism from China, where government officials reacted negatively and urged Japan to "act cautiously".{{cite web|url= http://www.janes.com/article/76659/ |title= China urges Japan to 'act cautiously' on considerations to refit Izumo class for F-35Bs|last1=Rahmat|first1=Ridzwan|date=27 December 2017|website=IHS Jane's 360 |archive-url= https://archive.today/20171227230550/http://www.janes.com/article/76659/china-urges-japan-to-act-cautiously-on-considerations-to-refit-izumo-class-for-f-35bs |archive-date=27 December 2017|access-date= 27 December 2017}}{{cite web|url= http://www.news.com.au/technology/innovation/china-upset-at-japans-plan-to-buy-f35b-stealth-fighter-jump-jets-for-its-helicopter-carriers/news-story/2a4e34b4ff6329661d8aa9f0ddb7f671|title=China upset at Japan's plan to buy F-35B stealth fighter 'jump jets' for its helicopter carriers|date=27 December 2017 |website= News |archive-url= https://archive.today/20171227230336/http://www.news.com.au/technology/innovation/china-upset-at-japans-plan-to-buy-f35b-stealth-fighter-jump-jets-for-its-helicopter-carriers/news-story/2a4e34b4ff6329661d8aa9f0ddb7f671|archive-date=27 December 2017|access-date=27 December 2017}}
Later, in February 2018, the Yomiuri Shimbun reported that Japan was planning to acquire 40 F-35Bs, the Short Take-off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) variant of the Lockheed Martin Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), which could be operated from the Izumo class with some modifications to the ships.{{cite web |url=http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0004240516 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180220025514/http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0004240516 |title=F-35B jets eyed to defend remote isles / Fighters also mulled for MSDF's Izumo ship |date=12 February 2018 |archive-date=20 February 2018 |access-date=25 September 2018 |website= Yomiuri Shimbun}}{{Cite web | url=http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/japan-might-buy-many-40-f-35b-fighters-report-states-24544 |title = Japan Might Buy as Many as 40 F-35B Fighters, Report States |work=The National Interest|last=Keck |first=Zachary |date = 18 February 2018 |access-date=27 June 2021 }} It was estimated that each Izumo-class carrier could operate 12 or more F-35B aircraft.{{citation needed|date=July 2023}} In March that same year, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party called upon the Japanese government to develop its own aircraft carriers and operate F-35B aircraft, which has been thought to include refitting the Izumo class.{{cite web |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/japan-seeks-to-answer-china-with-an-aircraft-carrier-1521534454 |title=Japan Seeks to Answer China With an Aircraft Carrier |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=20 March 2018 |last1=Tsuneoka |first1=Chieko |last2=Landers |first2=Peter |access-date=27 June 2021 }} Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya announced on 27 November 2018 that Japan is considering buying F-35Bs within an order for an additional 100 F-35 aircraft,{{cite web|url= https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-Relations/Japan-to-order-100-more-F-35-fighters-from-US|title=Japan to order 100 more F-35 fighters from US|date=27 November 2018|website=Nikkei Asian Review|location= Tokyo|url-status= live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127033341/https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-Relations/Japan-to-order-100-more-F-35-fighters-from-US|archive-date=27 November 2018|access-date= 27 November 2018}} and as a consequence modifying both Izumo-class helicopter carriers to operate F-35B were also considered.{{Cite web|url= https://www.janes.com/article/84846/japan-considers-procuring-f-35b-for-its-izumo-class-helicopter-carriers|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181127202855/https://www.janes.com/article/84846/japan-considers-procuring-f-35b-for-its-izumo-class-helicopter-carriers|archive-date= 27 November 2018|title=Japan considers procuring F-35B for its Izumo-class helicopter carriers |work=Jane's 360 |url-status=dead}}
= Approval of conversion =
File:USMC_F-35B_conducting_a_vertical_landing_aboard_the_JS_Izumo.jpg
On 18 December 2018, the Japanese Cabinet gave approval to modify the Izumo class into de facto aircraft carriers.{{cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/12/18/asia/japan-aircraft-carriers-intl/ |title=Japan to have first aircraft carriers since World War II |last1=Lendon |first1=Brad |last2=Wakatsuki |first2=Yoko |work=CNN |date=18 December 2018 |access-date=27 June 2021 }}{{cite news|url= https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/japan-gives-nod-to-first-aircraft-carriers-since-wwii-says-move-does-not-violate|title=Japan gives nod to first aircraft carriers since WWII, says move does not violate pacifist Constitution |last=Sim |first=Walter | work =The Straits Times|date=19 December 2018 |access-date=27 June 2021 }} The modifications will reinforce the decks of the Izumo-class ships to support the additional weight of F-35B, as well as the heat and forces from the jets during vertical landing. Each vessel will also have the bow section of its flight deck, which is currently trapezoidal, modified into a square shape.{{cite web |url= https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/japans-converted-izumo-class-carriers-will-not-feature-a-ski-jump-ramp-for-f-35b-operations |title=Japan's converted Izumo-class carriers will not feature a 'ski-jump' ramp for F-35B operations |work= Janes |last=Takahashi |first=Kosue |date= 8 October 2020 |access-date=27 June 2021 }} The ruling parties re-designated the Izumo-class ships to multi-purpose operation destroyers.{{cite web |url= http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201812060055.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209044233/http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201812060055.html |archive-date=9 December 2018 |title=Japan avoids flak by refusing to call flattop 'aircraft carrier' |work= The Asahi Shimbun |last=Fujiwara |first=Shinichi |date=6 December 2018 |access-date= 29 December 2018}}{{Cite web|url= https://thediplomat.com/2018/12/japan-approves-plans-to-convertizumo-class-into-f-35-carrying-aircraft-carriers/|title=Japan Approves Plans to Convert Izumo-Class Into F-35-Carrying Aircraft Carriers|last=Gady |first=Franz-Stefan|website= The Diplomat|date=19 December 2018|access-date= 5 January 2020}} On 30 December 2019, Japanese Ministry of Defense approved the FY2020 budget that would finance the refurbishment of the Izumo class for F-35B operation.{{Cite web|url= https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2019/12/japan-takes-first-steps-towards-refurbishment-of-jmsdf-destroyer-izumo/ |title=Japan takes first steps towards refurbishment of JMSDF destroyer Izumo|last=Inaba|first=Yoshihiro|date= 30 December 2019 |website=Naval News |access-date=5 January 2020 }}
The United States Marine Corps plans to operate their own STOVL F-35s from Izumo-class ships in cooperation with the ship's crew to build up a Japanese capability to operate this type of aircraft. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force has ordered 42 STOVL F-35Bs in 2019 and will operate them from land bases once delivered. In July 2021 it was indicated that of the 42 F-35B variants to be acquired, 18 will be introduced by FY2023, six in FY2024 and two in FY2025. These are to form a single squadron consisting of about 20 aircraft operating from the Nyutabaru Air Base in Miyazaki Prefecture in southwestern Japan. The base is located in close proximity to the JMSDF's Kure Base in Hiroshima Prefecture, which is the home port of JS Kaga.{{cite web |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/07/japans-izumo-helicopter-destroyer-modified-to-operate-f-35b-fighters/ |title=Japan's Izumo Helicopter Destroyer Modified To Operate F-35B Fighters |work=Naval News |last=Inaba |first=Yoshishiro |date=20 July 2021 |access-date=9 August 2021 }}
The Asahi Shimbun quotes Japan's Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya "The Izumo-class aircraft carrier role is to strengthen the air defense in the Pacific Ocean and to ensure the safety of the Self-Defense Force pilots." He also states, "there may be no runway available for the US aircraft in an emergency. I cannot say that the US F-35B should never be placed on an [JMSDF] escort vessel."{{cite web |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2019/08/usmc-to-first-fly-f-35b-from-japans-izumo-class-aircraft-carriers/ |title=USMC To Fly First F-35B From Japan's Izumo-Class Aircraft Carriers |last=Vavasseur |first=Xavier |work=Naval News |date=21 August 2019 |access-date=27 June 2021 }}
In 2020, Izumo began the conversion process. Initial modifications include strengthening the heat resistance of the deck and installing power supply equipment to enable the departure and arrival of the F-35B. A second renovation, to change the bow shape to a quadrangle for the safe operation of the F-35B the maintenance of the interior compartments, is scheduled to be carried out starting from the end of 2024{{cite web |url=https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2021/june/10373-pictures-of-the-new-japanese-aircraft-carrier-js-izumo-after-modifications.html |title=Pictures of the new Japanese aircraft carrier JS Izumo after modifications |work=navyrecognition.com |date=25 June 2021 |access-date=27 June 2021 }} and be completed by the end of Fiscal Year 2026.{{cite web |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/04/japan-completes-first-stage-of-js-kaga-modification-to-operate-f-35b/ |title=Japan Completes First Stage Of JS Kaga Modification To Operate F-35B |work=Naval News |last=Takahashi |first=Kosuke |date=8 April 2024 |access-date=15 April 2024 }}
Kaga began her initial modifications in March 2022 at the Japan Marine United (JMU) shipyard in Kure, Hiroshima Prefecture. The proposed modification of Kaga will be more extensive (and significantly more expensive) and includes changes to the shape of the bow. The initial modification of Kaga was completed in early 2024 and is to be followed by a second modification of the ship’s interior, which is expected to begin in late 2026 and be completed by the end of Fiscal Year 2027.{{cite web |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/04/japan-completes-first-stage-of-js-kaga-modification-to-operate-f-35b/ |title=Japan Completes First Stage Of JS Kaga Modification To Operate F-35B |work=Naval News |last=Takahashi |first=Kosuke |date=8 April 2024 |access-date=15 April 2024}}
On 3 October 2021, two USMC F-35Bs performed the first vertical landings and horizontal take-offs from JS Izumo, marking the first time in more than 75 years that a fixed-wing aircraft operated from a Japanese carrier.{{cite web |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/marine-corps-f35bs-landed-on-japans-converted-aircraft-carrier-izumo-2021-10 |title=Japan is converting its 2 biggest warships into aircraft carriers, and US Marines are helping it train to use them |work=Business Insider |last=Brimelow |first=Benjamin |date=8 October 2021 |access-date=20 October 2021 }}
On 13 September 2023, Kaga, which is undergoing initial modification, began a test voyage. For the first time, the ship showed its 'carrier-ised' appearance, with the bow changed to a rectangular shape and a sign painted on the deck for landing and taking off aircraft.{{cite news |title= 飛行甲板が長方形に 「空母化」した護衛艦かが 初の試験航海 |url= https://www.asahi.com/sp/articles/ASRCF6D5VRCFTOLB008.html |newspaper=The Asahi Shimbun |date=13 September 2023 |access-date=18 September 2023}}
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
= Bibliography =
- {{Citation|editor=Kaijin-sha|date=February 2019|title=Technical Characterististics of Izumo-class DDH|journal=Ships of the World|issue=894|publisher=Kaijin-sha|pages=107–123|language=ja|id={{NAID|40021782332}}}}
- {{Citation|first=Stephen|last=Saunders|year= 2015|title=Jane's Fighting Ships 2015-2016|publisher=Jane's Information Group|isbn=978-0710631435}}
- {{Cite book|authorlink=Eric Wertheim|first=Eric|last=Wertheim|year= 2013|title=The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World|edition=16th|publisher=Naval Institute Press|isbn=978-1591149545}}
External links
{{commons category|Izumo class helicopter carriers}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20190213074254/http://www.ships-net.co.jp/detl/201006/001-006e.html CG Photos of 19500t class 22DDH destroyer] Ships of the World
{{Izumo-class helicopter destroyers}}
{{Combatant ship classes of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force}}