The Haruna class destroyers are a class of Japanese destroyer originally built during the 1970s and still in active service. These helicopter carrying destroyers are built around a large central helicopter hangar which houses up to three helicopters. The ships were upgraded with Sea Sparrow launchers, Phalanx CIWS systems and chaff launchers during the 1980s. The Haruna is currently scheduled to be removed from service in 2009, but their successors, Shirane class destroyers will remain in service for now.
