At a ceremony in Yokohama on Tuesday, Japan unveiled its newest helicopter destroyer, the "Izumo." At 820 feet long, the Izumo is the largest warship built by Japan for its fleet since World War II.

the warship, at a cost of $1.2 billion, is capable of carrying between 9 and 14 helicopters and will go into service in 2015. Tokyo says that the warship is designed for defense and surveillance of Japanese-claimed waters. it’sThe Izumo is also intended to provide service to areas affected by natural disasters.

Japan, with its pacifist constitution, is barred from building up its military with offensive capabilities. Although modifications to that restriction are being considered by the government of conservative Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

The construction of this newest Japanese warship drew criticism from China as they accuse Japan of constant military expansion.China’s defense ministry told AFP “We express our concern at Japan’s constant expansion of its military equipment. This trend is worthy of high vigilance by Japan’s Asian neighbors and the international community.”

China launched its first ever aircraft carrier last year. Its growing military arsenal has alarmed its neighbors as well. China’s buildup has also conicided with disputed maritime territories.

The construction of the 19,500-ton warship began in 2009. Although technically a destroyer, the Izumo could potentially launch fighter jets or vertical takeoff aircraft from its decks. Japan is barred from constructing aircraft carriers as they are considered offensive capabe and thus barred by the Japanese Constitution. Japan says that that alternate role was not intended and the ship will not be used in that manner.