Izumo-class destroyer

The Izumo-class destroyers (いずも型護衛艦, Izumo-gata-goei-kan) are multi-role destroyers in service with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). The ships are de facto helicopter carriers and will serve as de facto aircraft carriers after the ongoing modifications. In 2025, the ships were formally reclassified as "aircraft-carrying multi-role escort ships" (CVM). The new designation will be adopted after the modification works are completed. As of October 28, 2024, under a revised Ministry of Defense ordinance, it was indicated that the official classification of these ships may be changed from DDH (ヘリコプター搭載護衛艦 (herikoputā tōsai goei-kan, Helicopter carrying escort ship)) to CVM (航空機搭載多機能護衛艦 (kōkūki tōsai ta kinō goei-kan, Aircraft-carrying multi-role escort ship)). Previously, the Izumo-class vessels had been officially classified as DDH (helicopter-carrying destroyer), although some publications such as Jane's Fighting Ships had already referred to them more generally as "helicopter carriers". However, alongside the Aegis System Equipped Vessels, they are considered cruisers by the JMSDF. The ships of this class are currently the largest surface combatants of the JMSDF, taking over the mantle previously held by the Hyūga-class helicopter destroyers. The lead ship was officially unveiled at Yokohama on 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". However, according to the Japanese government’s definition, "attack aircraft carriers" refer specifically to carriers designed solely for nuclear bombers to conduct nuclear strikes. 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. Thus, Japanese and US officials have stated the vessels are not in violation, describing the vessels...