Japan deploys new aircraft carrier
Japan will use the new aircraft carrier IS Izumo in the exercises that will be held in the Indo-Pacific region from June 13 to October 28, according to the Japanese Ministry of Defense.
It is noteworthy that JS Izumo is a Japanese helicopter carrier, which since 2022 has been undergoing modernization to turn it into an aircraft carrier. It should accommodate the American F-35B’s fifth generation fighters. The ship is the flagship of the IIzumo class of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
JS Izumo is tall. It is 248 meters long, 38 meters wide and has a draft of 7.5 metres. The ship can reach a speed of 30 knots (56 km/h).
The Izumo-class ships are armed with two 11-cell SeaRAM missiles that can destroy cruise missiles, drones and helicopters.
JS Izumo carries up to 28 aircraft and nine ASW helicopters.