The Japanese Ministry of Defense (MoD) has revealed fresh insights into its ongoing efforts to field an upgraded version of its Type 12 surface-to-ship missile (SSM) system in its latest annual defence white paper released on 12 July.
An image of a missile prototype, purportedly used for ground-based static testing, was included in the document. The missile – which is being developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) – appears similar in overall shape and form with the low-observable US-made AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) and the Franco-British Storm Shadow/SCALP EG, albeit with a more prominent air intake on the underside of the fuselage in its current form.
The current Type 12 SSM possesses a range of around 200 km. It is understood that the MoD hopes to achieve a range of around 900-1000 km for the upgraded missile, with the eventual aim of extending the range to around 1200 km.
Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara announced in December 2023 that the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) will deploy the upgraded Type 12 SSM from fiscal year 2025, a year earlier than originally planned.
One month later, the MoD also committed the acquisition of up to 400 US-made Tomahawk cruise missiles and associated equipment after it had finalised a letter of acceptance (LOA) that paves the way for their eventual procurement between fiscal year 2025 and 2027.
The MoD noted at the time that the Tomahawk cruise missiles will be acquired under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) mechanism. It first revealed in October 2023 that it was accelerating efforts to deploy stand-off weapons such as the Tomahawk cruise missile to address the deteriorating security situation in the region.
While the MoD did not disclose specifics of its planned Tomahawk acquisition, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) had announced on 17 November 2023 that the US State Department has approved a possible deal for up to 200 Block IV and 200 Block V Tomahawk missiles and associated control and support equipment to Japan worth approximately US$2.35 billion.
by Jr Ng
