With the deployment of a new ground-based version of the Type-12 anti-ship missile set to start in fiscal year 2025, the Japan Self-Defense Forces could begin to make notable enhancements to its maritime strike abilities in key East Asian waters.
Following five test launches in October and November 2024, the ground-based variant of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Upgraded Type-12 anti-ship missile, the first of Japan’s new range of indigenously developed stand-off missile capabilities, is slated to be deployed sometime in the upcoming fiscal year (FY25, April 2025–March 2026). The air- and ship-launched variants are planned to enter service later this decade.
According to Japanese media reports, the range of the new missile exceeds 900 kilometres, a significant increase from the 200 km range of the original Type-12 introduced in 2012. In December 2024, Japan’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) published images of the missile and a two-canister, road-mobile transporter-erector launcher (TEL). The TEL had only two rather than the original six canisters, likely to accommodate the larger size of the new missile.
The MoD states that the missile body has a reduced radar cross section. Images of the missile taken during its test flight show a boxy fuselage cross section with folded wings and an X-shaped tail with a rear lower fuselage air intake for the engine. Japan has said the missile is fitted with a datalink, enabling it to provide updated target information during engagement.
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