Japan is considering constructing a third aircraft carrier, capable of accommodating helicopters.

The proposed 19,500t 22DDH aircraft carrier will be 248m long and can carry 14 helicopters, according to media reports.

Scheduled for 2015 deployment, the $1.04bn aircraft carrier is expected to be armed with the Raytheon air and missile defence system to increase its capabilities.

Currently, the Japanese Navy has two helicopter carriers – the Hyuga and the Ise.