JDS Izumo (DDH-183)

JDS Izumo (DDH-183) is a helicopter carrier (officially classified by Japan as a helicopter destroyer) and the lead ship in the Izumo class of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. It is the second warship to be named for Izumo Province, with the previous ship being the armored cruiser Izumo (1898).

Though designed to carry up to 14 helicopters, critics including China argue it could be modified to be used as a more conventional aircraft carrier. Because of constitutional restrictions, Japan's military forces are forbidden from possession of offensive weapons. However given the transparency of the MSDF, the lengthy preparations to build up an operational carrier borne jet fighter force would be known for years before this could be realized. For example China is currently launching and landing jet fighters on a carrier, but is expected to take several years to reach an operational capability.

The ship was laid down on 27 January 2012 and launched on 6 August 2013. The ship is the largest Japanese naval vessel since World War II.