Hasegawa WL032 49032 JMSDF DDH Kaga

Kaga (DDH-184) is a modern Japanese helicopter (another class term: helicopter destroyer). The keel for this unit was laid in 2013, and the launch took place in August 2015. The unit was accepted into service with the Japanese Naval Self-Defense Forces in March 2017. The total length of the vessel at the time of launch was 248 meters and a width of 38 meters. Full displacement is around 27,000 tons, and the maximum speed is probably just over 30 knots. The deck armament consists of two SeaRAM kits and two 20 mm Vulcan Phalanx kits. The ship can operate a maximum of 28-30 aircraft.

The Kaga (DDH-184) was officially designed and launched to replace the Shirane-class Kurama (DDH-144) helicopter destroyer in line, but in essence is a completely different type of ship. The Kaga (DDH-184) is definitely larger than its predecessor, has much greater combat capabilities, and above all - has a continuous flight deck, which makes it actually a light aircraft carrier. Moreover, the ship will be able to operate the STOVL F-35 B aircraft without major problems. The Kaga (DDH-184) is also larger than the Hyuga class units. It is worth adding that the name of the ship refers not only to one of the Japanese provinces, but also to the name of the aircraft carrier from the Second World War. In 2018, Kaga (DDH-184) made a cruise on the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean.