Japanese MoD seeks $1.3bn for new helicopter carrier

The Japan Ministry of Defense (MoD) has proposed the construction of two 19,500-ton 'helicopter-capable destroyers' that would become the largest ships in the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

The new helicopter carriers, known as 22 DDH (2010 being the 22nd year of the reign of Japan's Emperor Akihito), will possess a 248 m-long flight deck, significantly longer than the 197 m deck on the two recently built Hyuga-class helicopter carriers (which displace 18,000 tons).

According to the MoD, each of the larger vessels will be able to accommodate nine helicopters and will be fitted with two close-in weapon systems and two Sea RAM missile systems for air defence. The anti-submarine warfare armament will include a mobile decoy and floating acoustic jammer.

www.janes.com

Posted in: Japan,Naval