DDV-192 Ibuki

The DDV-192 Ibuki is an Izumo-class helicopter destroyer modified into a light carrier to support aircrafts. The carrier is the first of the Izumo-class to be built purely with the intention to become a light carrier in contrast to her sister ships. Her homeport is Yokosuka.

Namesake
The Rapid Naval Armaments Supplement Programme planned by the Imperial Japanese Navy for World War II envisioned an aircraft carrier named Ibuki, but was never built by the war's conclusion. During her construction, she was named "Pegasus".

Construction and design
Under Project: Pegasus, Ibuki was constructed in Yokohama by Japan Marine United. The Project placed her as the flagship of the 5th Defence Fleet. As a first in Japan, she is built with the ski-jump flight deck. The 15 F-35JB she carries are not meant for offence, but for anti-submarine warfare. It's anti-aircraft armaments are limited to Phalanx CIWS and SeaRAM SAM systems, making her reliant on her escorts for defence.

Career
DDV-192 Ibuki started her service in the JMSDF's 5th Defence Fleet since 2018.

Sister ships

 * DDH-183 Izumo
 * DDH-184 Kaga