Diplomacy - “IZUMO”, Japanese Helicopter-loaded Destroyer's visit to Singapore (June 2017)

Introducing the activities of JS IZUMO, Japanese Helicopter-loaded Destroyer, which visited Singapore in May 2017.

JS IZUMO departed Yokosuka Base in Japan on 1 May 2017 to participate in the International Maritime Review (IMR) in Singapore. On the way to Singapore, she had conducted some joint exercises not only with US Navy but also with WPNS member countries. IMR was held on 15 May, it was reviewed by Singapore President Tony Tan together with Navy Chiefs of the participating countries.



*Photos: Japan Maritime Self Defense Forces

Students from Japanese Primary School Changi Campus visited JS IZUMO on Tuesday, 16 May 2017. They have received a briefing regarding JS IZUMO after having a guided tour of the hanger and flight deck. Many of them were impressed and surprised by the size of JS IZUMO.

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean visited JS IZUMO on Wednesday, 17 May 2017. A reception was held on-board JS IZUMO in the evening of the same day, where many participated including guests from various military-related organisations.

JS IZUMO was commissioned in March 2015. In April 2016, two big earthquakes hit Kumamoto region. Responding to the disaster relief dispatch request, the Self Defence Force had conducted disaster relief operations. With regards JS IZUMO, she had Joined Joint Transportation Mission. She carried about 160 SDF personnel and about 40 SDF vehicles from Otaru in Hokkaido prefecture to Hakata in Fukuoka prefecture in 3 days.

If these vehicles had travelled on the road, it would have taken 5 days to reach the destination. As a result, JS IZUMO not only had provided the personnel with good rest but also shortened travelling time significantly. After the completion of the mission, JS IZUMO carried almost same number of personnel and vehicles from Yatsushiro in Kumamoto prefecture to Hakodate in Hokkaido prefecture.


*Photos: Japan Maritime Self Defense Forces

JS ISE, another type of Helicopter-loaded Destroyer, came to Singapore in May 2016 to participate in ADMM plus Maritime Security Exercise. Her appearance is almost similar to JS IZUMO but in terms of size, it is about 50m smaller. It was second time JS ISE come to this region.

Her first visit was in 2013 to participate in the international disaster relief efforts in the response to Typhoon #30 which struck the Philippines. Please click here if you would like to know more!


*Photos: Japan Maritime Self Defense Forces