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Philip Smart | Adelaide

 

Japan’s Maritime Self-Defence Force has taken delivery of a helicopter carrier vessel that is its largest warship since World War II.

The 248 metre (813 feet) Izumo was commissioned on Wednesday, with a crew of 470.

It is referred to as a helicopter destroyer to keep within Japan’s constitutional ban on owning the means to prosecute a war.

The Izumi resembles US Marine Corps amphibious assault vessels.

It is equipped for antisubmarine warfare, and with the ability to operate large helicopters, will also be used to support peacekeeping operations and for disaster relief.

The vessel has joined the fleet as Japan sees a shift in its overseas policy, taking more of a role in regional security and loosening traditionally tight controls on exporting weapons systems.

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