[Jeff Head]

To get a better feel for just how big the new Japanese 22DDH, Izumo, DDH-183 that was just launched really is, I thought I would compare it directly to the Wasp Class LHD of the US Navy. So, here is a port side view of the USS Bataan, LHD-5, the fifth US Navy Wasp Class, and from the same perspective on the port side, the view of the newly launched JMSDF Izumo, DDH-183.

The Wasp is 30 feet longer, it is about 10 feet taller, but it's beam is actually 3-4 feet less, although it's flight deck is a good 15-20 feet wider.

As you can see, the new Japanese vessel is a very large ship. Even at 30,000 tons full load, which is 3,000 tons larger than they admit to, I believe if fully outfitted with aircraft and fuel, it will be closer to 35,000 tons. The Japanese are already building the second vessel in this class.

BTW, in the Sea Control role, the Wasp Class can carry 20+ AV-8B Harrier II aircraft, or ultimately 20+ F-35B Joint Strike Fighters. Given the size of the Japanese vessel, you have to believe it could do something similar if necessary and if the Japanese purchase the aircraft. That would be something to watch for.

[Sirius Lee]

20+ F-35B Joint Strike Fighters. Given the size of the Japanese vessel, you have to believe it could do something similar if necessary and if the Japanese purchase the aircraft.

As if obamanation would ever sell weapons to a nation that wasn't communist or muslim.

[USAF80]

If you look at their Aegis “destroyers”, at full load they are as heavy as our cruisers. Germany and Japan did this before the first World War as a way of getting around the treaty restrictions. Japan could not have battleships so they made carriers and the rest is history.

[rmlew]

The are both the size of a Shōkaku-class aircraft carrier or an Essex class carrier from WW2