JMSDF DDH-181 HELICOPTER DESTROYER HYUGA

Hyuga (DDH-181) is a modern Japanese helicopter (another class term: helicopter destroyer). The keel for this vessel was laid in 2006, and the launch took place in August 2007. The unit was accepted into service with the Japanese Naval Self-Defense Forces in March 2009. The total length of the vessel at the time of launch was 197 meters and a width of 33 meters. Full displacement reaches about 19,000 tons, and the maximum speed probably exceeds 30 knots. The on-board armament consists of, inter alia, 16 Mk. 41 or two 20mm Vulcan Phalanx kits. The ship can operate a maximum of 18-20 aircraft. Hyuga (DDH-181) is the first of two ships belonging to the class of the same name. Units of this type were created to replace the Shirane-class destroyers in the line. Compared to their predecessors, they differ in many elements. First of all, they have a continuous flight deck, almost completely different on-board armament, as well as they are more than twice as large as the displacement of Shirane type units. The main purpose of Hyuga ships is ZOP (anti-submarine combat) activities. Hyuga (DDH-181) was built by IHI Corporation in a shipyard in Yokohama and takes its name from one of the prefectures in modern Japan and one of the Japanese battleships of the Second World War. Shortly after entering service, Hyuga (DDH-181) took part in a joint exercise with the US Navy and operated with the USS George Washington aircraft carrier. In March 2011, the unit supported the rescue operation in Miyagi Prefecture after the earthquake. In June 2017, Hyuga operated in the waters of the Korean Strait due to the increase in political tension caused by North Korea and the development of its nuclear program.