Izumo and Kaga The Izumo-class multi-purpose destroyer (いずも型護衛艦 Izumo-gata-goei-kan) or 22DDH is a de facto Aircraft Carrier originally ordered to operate as a helicopter carrier constructed for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). In late 2018 the class was predesignated as multi-purpose operation destroyers following the announcement that they would operate STOVL jets. 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. On December 2018, the Japanese Cabinet gave approval to convert both ships into aircraft carriers capable of operating the F-35B. Hyuga and Ise The Hyūga-class helicopter destroyer (ひゅうが型護衛艦 Hyūga-gata-goei-kan) is a class of helicopter carrier built for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). Two - Hyūga and Ise - were buil...