Helicopter carrier JS Izumo (DDH-183) leads the Japanese warship fleet participating in the Malabar 2017 naval exercise. This is the first multi-day offshore mission of the largest warship.

Helicopter carrier JS Izumo (DDH-183) leads the Japanese warship fleet participating in the Malabar 2017 naval exercise. This is the first multi-day offshore mission of the largest warship.

Japanese aircraft carrier exercises offshore for the first time

Helicopter carrier JS Izumo participates in exercises in the Bay of Bengal.

Malabar 2017 is one of the region’s largest maritime exercises, with the participation of 95 aircraft, 16 ships and two submarines.

Malabar 2017 is one of the region’s largest maritime exercises, with the participation of 95 aircraft, 16 ships and two submarines.

JS Izumo is the largest warship built by Japan since World War II, and is also the first of the Izumo class of helicopter carriers, called a destroyer by the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

JS Izumo is the largest warship built by Japan since World War II, and is also the first of the Izumo class of helicopter carriers, called a destroyer by the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

The ship is 248 m long, has a full load displacement of 27,000 tons, usually carries 9 helicopters and can be increased to 14.

The ship is 248 m long, has a full load displacement of 27,000 tons, usually carries 9 helicopters and can be increased to 14.

The Japanese ship squadron has participated in many exercises, including refueling at sea.

The Japanese ship squadron has participated in many exercises, including refueling at sea.

Military expert Mizokami believes that the size of the Izumo class is too large for a specialized helicopter destroyer.

Military expert Mizokami believes that the size of the Izumo class is too large for a specialized helicopter destroyer.

Sailors on board take combat positions, ready to deal with threats such as pirates and armed speedboats.

Sailors on board take combat positions, ready to deal with threats such as pirates and armed speedboats.

Tu Quynh (Photo: Livejournal)