JS Izumo

{{Short description|Japanese helicopter carrier}} {{About|the JMSDF aircraft carrier|the Russo-Japanese War-era cruiser|Japanese cruiser Izumo}} {{pp-vandalism|small=yes}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2022}} {{Infobox ship |section1={{Infobox ship/image | image = JS Izumo（DDH-183）seen from the sky 10-03-2021.jpg | image_caption = JS ''Izumo'' (DDH/CVM-183) with new markings and heat resistance coating on the flight deck, 3 October 2021 }}

|section2={{Infobox ship/career | hide_header = | country = Japan | flag = {{shipboxflag|Japan|naval}} | name = *''Izumo'' *(いずも) | namesake = Izumo Province | ordered = 2010 | awarded = | builder = IHI Marine United | original_cost = | laid_down = 27 January 2012 | launched = 6 August 2013 | sponsor = | christened = | completed = | acquired = | commissioned = 25 March 2015 | recommissioned = | decommissioned = | in_service = | out_of_service = | renamed = | reclassified = | refit = | struck = | reinstated = | homeport = | identification = *Hull number: DDH/CVM-183<ref name="izumo_carrier" /> *{{MMSI Number|431999556}} *Callsign: JSUM | motto = | nickname = | honors = | captured = | fate = | status = In active service | notes = | badge = 150px }}

|section3={{Infobox ship/characteristics | hide_header = | header_caption = | class = {{sclass|Izumo|destroyer|0}} aircraft-carrying multi-role cruiser<ref name="izumo_cruiser" /> | displacement = *{{convert|19,950|t|LT|abbr=on}} empty;<ref>{{cite web |title=護衛艦「いずも」型 |url=https://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/equipment/ships/ddh/izumo/ |website=Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force}}</ref> *{{convert|26,000|t|LT|abbr=on}} full load | length = {{convert|248|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | beam = {{convert|38|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | height = {{convert|23.5|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | draft = {{convert|7.5|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | propulsion = *COGAG, two shafts<ref name="nikkei">{{cite news |title=ＩＨＩＭＵ、防衛省から平成２２年度計画ヘリコプター搭載護衛艦を受注 |url=http://release.nikkei.co.jp/detail.cfm?relID=278235&lindID=4 |newspaper=Nikkei Shimbun |date=13 April 2011 |access-date=18 September 2011}}</ref> *4 × GE/IHI LM2500IEC gas turbine | speed = More than {{convert|30|kn|mph km/h|lk=in}} | range = | endurance = | boats = | troops = | complement = 970 including crew and troops<ref name="nikkei"/> | time_to_activate = | sensors = * OYQ-12 combat direction system * FCS-3 fire control system * OPS-50 AESA radar * OPS-28 surface-search radar * OQQ-23 bow sonar | EW = * NOLQ-3D-1 EW suite * Mark 36 SRBOC * Anti-torpedo mobile decoy (MOD) * Floating acoustic jammer (FAJ) | armament = *2 × Phalanx CIWS * 2 × SeaRAM CIWS | armor = | aircraft = *7 ASW helicopters and 2 SAR helicopters<ref name="nikkei"/> *28 aircraft maximum<ref name="jeffhead.com">{{Cite web |url=http://www.jeffhead.com/worldwideaircraftcarriers/22ddh.htm |title=WorldWideAircraftCarriers.com - 22DDH Class Page |access-date=27 January 2015 |archive-date=5 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150105133446/http://www.jeffhead.com/worldwideaircraftcarriers/22ddh.htm |url-status=usurped }}</ref> | aircraft_facilities = | notes = }} }} '''JS ''Izumo'' (DDH/CVM-183)''' is a aircraft-carrying multi-role cruiser, which was previously classified as a multi-purpose operation destroyer.<ref name="izumo_carrier">{{Cite web|url=http://www.clearing.mod.go.jp/kunrei_data/a_fd/2024/ax20241028_00317_000.pdf|title=防衛省訓令第３１７号|trans-title=Directives No. 317 Japan Ministry of Defense|access-date=September 17, 2025|author=Japan Ministry of Defense|language=ja}}</ref><ref name="izumo_cruiser">{{Cite web|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2025/09/jmsdf-changes-its-largest-destroyer-classification-from-ddh-to-cvm/|title=JMSDF changes its largest ‘destroyer’ classification from ‘DDH’ to ‘CVM’|access-date=September 18, 2025|last=Inaba|first=Yoshihiro|website=Naval News}}</ref> She is the lead ship in the {{sclass|Izumo|destroyer|4}} of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), and the second warship to be named for Izumo Province, with the previous ship being the armored cruiser {{ship|Japanese cruiser|Izumo||2}} (1898).

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party announced in May 2018 that it favours converting ''Izumo'' to operate fixed-wing aircraft.<ref>{{cite web|last1=FUJIWARA|first1=SHINICHI|title=LDP calls for scrapping 1% cap on Japan's defense budget|url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201805260034.html|publisher=Asahi Shimbun|language=ja|access-date=29 May 2018|archive-date=3 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191103155531/http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201805260034.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The conversion was confirmed in December 2018 when Japan announced the change of its defense guidelines. Upon the completion of the process, ''Izumo'' will be the first Japanese naval vessel to operate fixed-wing aircraft since World War II.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/japans-new-plan-for-izumo-f-35-carrier-a-tool-against-chinas-navy-2018-12|title=Japan unveiled new plans for an F-35 aircraft carrier — and it's a Chinese navy killer|last=Lockie|first=Alex|website=Business Insider|access-date=28 December 2019}}</ref>

==Design and construction== The construction of the first ship of the ''Izumo'' class began in 2011 at an IHI Marine United shipyard in Yokohama,<ref name="nikkan">{{cite news|date=1 April 2011|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|language=ja|newspaper=Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun|url=http://www.nikkan.co.jp/news/nkx0120110401agbx.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217135405/http://www.nikkan.co.jp/news/nkx0120110401agbx.html|archive-date=17 December 2014}}</ref> with funding totalling 113.9&nbsp;billion yen ($1.5 billion) being set aside in the fiscal 2010 budget for this purpose. 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.<ref name="mod">{{cite news|author=Ministry of Defense|author-link=Ministry of Defense (Japan)|title=平成２１年度政策評価書（事前の事業評価）|language=ja|url=https://www.mod.go.jp/j/approach/hyouka/seisaku/results/21/jizen/honbun/01.pdf|format=PDF|website=Mod.go.jp|access-date=18 September 2011}}</ref>

''Izumo'', the largest Japanese naval vessel since World War II, was laid down on 27 January 2012 and launched on 6 August 2013.<ref name=IHI>{{cite web|title=国内最大のヘリコプター搭載護衛艦の起工式を開催 (Ground-breaking ceremony of the nation's largest helicopter carriers held)|url=http://www.ihi.co.jp/ihi/press/2011/2012-1-27/index.html|website=Ihi.co.jp|access-date=13 January 2014|language=ja|date=27 January 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620125930/http://www.ihi.co.jp/ihi/press/2011/2012-1-27/index.html|archive-date=20 June 2012}}</ref><ref name=fox>{{cite web|title=Japan unveils new carrier-like warship, largest in navy since WWII|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/japan-unveils-new-carrier-like-warship-largest-in-navy-since-wwii/|publisher=Fox News|access-date=13 January 2014|date=6 August 2013}}</ref> The ship began sea trials on 29 September 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/article/43775/japan-puts-helicopter-carrier-izumo-on-sea-trials|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141001025714/http://www.janes.com/article/43775/japan-puts-helicopter-carrier-izumo-on-sea-trials|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 October 2014|title=Japan puts helicopter carrier Izumo on sea trials|work=Jane's Information Group|access-date=2 October 2014}}</ref> The ship was commissioned on 25 March 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aviationtoday.com/categories/military/Japan-Commissions-Largest-Ever-Helicopter-Carrier_84607.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402144430/http://www.aviationtoday.com/categories/military/Japan-Commissions-Largest-Ever-Helicopter-Carrier_84607.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 April 2015|title=Japan Commissions Largest-Ever Helicopter Carrier|work=Aviation Today|access-date =30 March 2015}}</ref>

The ship is as large as a Japanese carrier of Second World War-era.<ref name="PlanMar2017">{{cite news|last1=Kelly|first1=Tim|last2=Kubo|first2=Nobuhiro|title=Japan plans to send largest warship to South China Sea, sources say|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-navy-southchinasea-exclusive-idUSKBN16K0UP|access-date=13 March 2017|website=Reuters.com|date=13 March 2017}}</ref>

''Izumo'' used to be called a destroyer because all large combat ships, except for submarines, were classified as destroyers according to the regulations of the JMSDF.<ref name="海自訓令30号">{{Cite report|title=海上自衛隊の使用する船舶の区分等及び名称等を付与する標準を定める訓令|author=防衛庁長官 江崎真澄|date=1960-09-24|url=http://www.clearing.mod.go.jp/kunrei_data/a_fd/1960/ax19600924_00030_000.pdf|section=別表第1}}</ref> However, as of October 28, 2024, the official classification of these ships has been changed to CVM (aircraft-carrying multi-role cruiser).<ref name="izumo_carrier" /><ref name="izumo_cruiser" />

This vessel allows Japan to project military power well beyond its territorial waters.<ref name="PlanMar2017"/>

==Characteristics== ===Aircraft carried=== [[File:USMC F-35B conducting a vertical landing aboard the JS Izumo.jpg|thumb|left|In support of the first ever F-35B Lightning II operations aboard a Japanese vessel, a U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 conducts a vertical landing aboard ''Izumo'' off the coast of Japan, on 3 October 2021.]] thumb|JS ''Izumo'' thumb|HMS ''Queen Elizabeth'' (middle right) and ''Izumo'' (front right) during joint training (September 2021) The ship can carry up to 28 aircraft,<ref name="jeffhead.com"/> or 14 larger aircraft.<ref name="janes_2015-03-25">{{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 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504021643/http://www.janes.com/article/50196/japan-commissions-helicopter-carrier-izumo |archive-date=4 May 2015 }}</ref> Only seven ASW helicopters and two 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 five helicopter landing spots that allow simultaneous landings and take-offs.

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;<ref name="defencetalk">{{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}}</ref> although neither the Ministry of Defense nor the JMSDF have mentioned the possibility of introducing fixed-wing aircraft. The ship has neither a "ski-jump" nor a catapult, typical features for launching fixed-wing aircraft.<ref>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.</ref> If ''Izumo''-class ships were to operate fixed-wing aircraft, they would be limited to STOVL (short take-off, vertical landing) aircraft. Japan has purchased the conventional version of the Lightning II (the F-35A) but may buy the STOVL version (the F-35B) which could be operated from a modified ''Izumo''-class ship.<ref>[http://jsw.newpacificinstitute.org/?p=11000 Does the Izumo Represent Japan Crossing the "Offensive" Rubicon?] Newpacificinstitute.com, 13 August 2013. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922145121/http://jsw.newpacificinstitute.org/?p=11000 |date=22 September 2017 }}</ref> In December 2018, it was announced that the Japanese government would change its defense guidelines and purchase 42 F-35B fighters to operate them from both ''Izumo'' and her sister ship {{ship|JS|Kaga||2}}.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Yeo |first1=Mike |date=1 April 2019 |title=Asia allies take major steps forward with F-35 rollout |url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2019/04/01/asia-allies-take-major-steps-forward-with-f-35-rollout/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240122130849/https://www.defensenews.com/air/2019/04/01/asia-allies-take-major-steps-forward-with-f-35-rollout/ |archive-date=22 January 2024 |access-date=7 August 2022 |website=Defense News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gady |first=Franz-Stefan |date=1 April 2019 |title=Japan Air Self Defense Force Stands Up First F-35A Lightning II Fighter Squadron |url=https://thediplomat.com/2019/04/japan-air-self-defense-force-stands-up-first-f-35a-lightning-ii-fighter-squadron/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405164650/https://thediplomat.com/2019/04/japan-air-self-defense-force-stands-up-first-f-35a-lightning-ii-fighter-squadron/ |archive-date=5 April 2023 |website=The Diplomat}}</ref>

===Air defense===

The ship is equipped with two Phalanx CIWS and two SeaRAM for her defense.

==Operational history== Commissioned at Yokosuka port in Japan in March 2015, ''Izumo'' became operational in time to take part in a major August 2015 disaster drill conducted in Tokyo, alongside the Japan Coast Guard's large patrol vessel ''Izu''. The two vessels acted as casualty receiving and triage stations during the exercise.<ref name=YomShim>{{Cite web |url=http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0002394804 |title=Archived copy |access-date=1 September 2015 |archive-date=8 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908055219/http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0002394804 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In May 2017 ''Izumo'' was deployed to escort {{USNS|Richard E. Byrd|T-AKE-4|6}}, a US supply vessel, to the area off Shikoku. ''Richard E. Byrd''{{'}}s mission was to refuel another US warship that was defending against North Korean missiles. This was the first time a Japanese vessel was deployed to escort a US ship since security legislation was enacted in March 2016. A small protest took place at Yokosuka after ''Izumo''{{'}}s departure, under the belief that the deployment of an aircraft carrier was a violation of Japan's defense-only policy.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Japan helicopter carrier conducts operation to protect US ships |url=http://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/International-Relations/Japan-helicopter-carrier-conducts-operation-to-protect-US-ships |work=Nikkei |date=1 May 2017 |access-date=17 May 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Hlvac |first=Tyler |date=1 May 2017 |title=Japanese helicopter destroyer to escort Navy ship on supply mission |url=https://www.stripes.com/news/japanese-helicopter-destroyer-to-escort-navy-ship-on-supply-mission-1.466235#.WRxFw1KB21s |work=Stars and Stripes |access-date=17 May 2017 }}</ref> The destroyer {{JS|Sazanami|DD-113|2}} also joined the mission.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=SDF completes 1st US warship escort mission |url=http://manila-shimbun.ph/japan_news/sdf-completes-1st-us-warship-escort-mission.html |work=Jiji press |date=4 May 2017 |access-date=18 May 2017 }}</ref>

In 2020, ''Izumo'' began the conversion to operate F-35B fighter aircraft.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Takahashi|first=Kosuke|title=Japan begins refitting first of two Izumo-class carriers to support F-35B operations|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/japan-begins-refitting-first-of-two-izumo-class-carriers-to-support-f-35b-operations|access-date=16 April 2021|website=Jane's Information Group|language=en}}</ref> Conversion works were to proceed in two stages, with the first to strengthen the heat resistance of the deck and install power supply equipment to enable the departure and arrival of the F-35B. The renovation work to change the bow shape to a quadrangle for the safe operation of the F-35B and the maintenance of the interior compartments are scheduled to be carried out in the second stage, starting from the end of 2024. No plans exist to install a catapult or a sloping runway.<ref>{{Cite web|title=護衛艦「かが」、「いずも」に続き空母へ F35B搭載の改修費231億円要求――スキージャンプ設置せず（高橋浩祐） - Yahoo!ニュース|url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/byline/takahashikosuke/20200930-00200844/|access-date=5 February 2021|website=Yahoo!ニュース 個人|language=ja|archive-date=2 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201002042948/https://news.yahoo.co.jp/byline/takahashikosuke/20200930-00200844/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In September 2021, ''Izumo'' joined the British aircraft carrier {{HMS|Queen Elizabeth|R08|6}} and other vessels for exercises in the Pacific.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cotterill |first1=Tom |title=Royal Navy flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth woos the Japanese as she joins major military drill in the Pacific |url=https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/defence/royal-navy-flagship-hms-queen-elizabeth-woos-the-japanese-as-she-joins-major-military-drill-in-the-pacific-3379540 |access-date=3 October 2021 |work=The News, Portsmouth |date=10 September 2021}}</ref> In early October of that year, United States Marine Corps F-35B fighters operated off ''Izumo'' for the first time.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mahadzir |first1=Dzirhan |title=Japan's Largest Warship Launches U.S. Marine F-35s; First Fighters to Fly from Japanese Ship Since WWII |url=https://news.usni.org/2021/10/05/video-japans-largest-warship-launches-u-s-marine-f-35s-first-fighters-to-fly-from-japanese-ship-since-wwii |access-date=6 October 2021 |publisher=United States Naval Institute |date=5 October 2021}}</ref>

On 31 May 2022, the JMSDF announced that ''Izumo'', {{JS|Takanami}} and {{JS|Kirisame}} will be deployed to RIMPAC 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/06/japan-sending-its-largest-naval-vessel-to-rimpac/|title=Japan sending its largest naval vessel to RIMPAC|first=Yoshihiro|last=Inaba|website=Navalnews.com|date=1 June 2022|access-date=4 June 2022}}</ref>

In June 2023, ''Izumo'' participated in the Indo-Pacific Deployment 2023. It carried out military exercise with Royal Australian Navy frigate {{HMAS|Anzac|FFH 150|6}} and a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft in the South China Sea. The exercise focused on tactical operations, including anti-surface and anti-air warfare.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mahadzir |first=Dzirhan |date=2023-06-27 |title=Japan, Australia Drill Together in South China Sea for Trident Exercise |url=https://news.usni.org/2023/06/27/japan-australia-drill-together-in-south-china-sea-for-trident-exercise |access-date=2025-07-11 |website=USNI News |language=en-US}}</ref>

In August 2024, ''Izumo'' participated in a military exercise near Okinawa with navies from Australia, Italy, Germany, and France. The {{ship|Italian aircraft carrier|Cavour}} also participated in the exercise. The exercise was intended to strength military cooperation with European countries.<ref>{{Cite web |last=産経新聞 |date=2024-08-30 |title=海自参加し日本近海で5カ国艦艇訓練実施 27～29日の3日間、イタリア空母も |url=https://www.sankei.com/article/20240830-NZBRYVKK5ZLRPJHNLREVPOFVB4/ |access-date=2025-07-11 |website=産経新聞：産経ニュース |language=ja}}</ref>

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== * {{Commons category-inline|JS Izumo (DDH-183)}}

{{Izumo-class helicopter destroyers}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Izumo (DDH-183)}} Category:Izumo-class helicopter destroyers Category:Helicopter carriers Category:2013 ships Category:Ships built by IHI Corporation