Carrying twelve F-35Bs within Izumo's stated capacity of twenty-eight aircraft leaves room for sixteen helicopters. Allowing three rescue aircraft gives an illustrative thirteen ASW helicopters aboard Izumo. Adding ten helicopters across five general-purpose destroyers and two aboard an Atago or Maya produces about twenty-five ASW helicopters across the task group. That is a substantial force for paired submarine hunting, but nuclear-powered submarines can approach from widely different directions. Izumo's visibility and value also make it the JMSDF's most conspicuous high-value unit in this assessment, and an attractive target. As an aviation ship becomes more valuable, some growth in its air group is needed simply to protect the ship itself.
Notable Point · 51:42-54:03
Izumo's aircraft capacity limits the size of its submarine screen
A 28-aircraft capacity forces tradeoffs between fighters, rescue helicopters, and the ASW aircraft needed to protect a valuable aviation ship.