Japan Reveals Its Largest Warship Since World War II

Japan has unveiled its largest warship since World War II, to be used in anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance missions.

The vessel has a flight deck nearly 820 feet long and can reportedly carry more than nine helicopters.

The launch of the gigantic Japanese destroyer, Izumo, has also reportedly sparked concern in China because it strongly resembles a conventional aircraft carrier. Work on Izumo has been ongoing since 2009.

Some military experts believe that the new Japanese ship could potentially be used to launch fighter jets or other aircraft that have the ability to take off vertically.

Since the end of WWII, the country has not wanted to build aircraft carriers because of constitutional restrictions that limit its military forces to a defensive role.