JS Kaga

During the Cold War, the new Japanese Naval Self-defense Force built a series of large destroyers (Haruna and Shirane classes) which featured large hangars on the rear for up to three locally build Sea King Helicopters. Back then, protect Japan´s naval routes from hostile Soviet or Chinese submarines were the main mission of the JMSDF.

 

Although very capable and effective, these large destroyers could only take to sea a small number of Helicopters (3) when compared to a regular Aircraft-carrier which reduced their combat potential. Proposals for a true Anti-submarine Helicopter carrier were made but refused.

 

However, with the end of the Cold War and the recent increased in size of the Chinese Navy, (and since Helicopters continued to prove to be the best ASW weapon for a ship), a decision was made to develop a much larger anti-submarine ship.

 

However, this would lead to a series of political problems.

To know more about this situation, click here for the next picture:

www.flickr.com/photos/einon/54615624748

 

Eínon

 

Done