Japan Unveils $1.2 Billion Helicopter Carrier

Japan has unveiled its biggest warship today, a US$1.2 billion helicopter carrier, a 248-metre (810-feet) vessel, aimed at defending territorial claims.

The helicopter carrier, named Izumo is expected to go into service in 2015, probably the biggest vessel since World War II.

The Japanese-built carrier can accommodate nine helicopters and is expected to play a major role in disaster and rescue missions, as well as defending sea lanes and sovereignty claims, according to the Japan defence ministry.

The Japanese Navy’s biggest vessels currently are a pair of smaller helicopter carriers.

Last year, China commissioned its first aircraft carrier in order to beef up their military force that has alarmed its own regional neighbors.

The country’s first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, went into service in September in a symbolic milestone for China’s increasingly muscular military.

However, the vessel still requires a carrier group including destroyers, frigates and submarines while fighter jets need more training to be operational, according to Navy officials.