Izumo is a class of multi-purpose destroyers created for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces in the 2010s. The class includes 2 ships: Izumo and Kaga, which supplemented the 2 previously built smaller ships of the same class in the fleet: Hyuga and Ise.

Due to constitutional restrictions on the Japanese armed forces, it is formally considered an escort ship and destroyer. However, at the moment, the Izumo and Kaga are considered the largest warships created by the country since the end of World War II. In this regard, there are assumptions that, although the Izumo class is declared as a destroyer-helicopter carrier, but, technically, it is capable to operate combat aircraft that have the functions of short take-off and vertical landing. Lockheed Martin F-35B fighters are the obvious contender for the appearance on the Izumo deck. Such a decision would potentially mean the appearance of two aircraft carriers in the Japanese fleet.

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