Japan's Ministry of Defense is accelerating the deployment of Type 12 improved shore-to-ship missiles in response to recent changes in the security environment, according to Japan's NHK broadcaster. The plan for deployment was planned for fiscal 2026 and was accelerated in implementation. This missile, also known as SSM-3, is designed to increase the range and increase the ability to strike enemy ships and land-based missile launches, with a maximum range of up to 1000 km. In fact, this missile, which has the ability to strike at both sea and ground targets, can be considered a future cruise missile for Japan. ** Japan's Type 12 shore-to-ship missile launcher is shown. Currently, the Type 12 shore-to-ship missile system has been deployed in Hokkaido, Aomori and Kumamoto prefectures.
By the end of the current fiscal year, Okinawa Prefecture will have a launch group, and another launch group will be set up in Oita Prefecture by the end of the next fiscal year. This expansion plan will form a nationwide shore-to-ship missile launch force consisting of seven regiments. The Ministry of Defense is considering the introduction of improved SSM-3 missiles into all launch regiments in the future. In addition, the wind tunnel model of the Type 12 improved shore-to-ship missile released by Japan shows this cruise missile with a stealth profile. The Type 12 shore-to-ship missile, developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, is currently in service with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The missile will be improved to extend its range and allow it to be more effective at enemy ground targets, especially missile launch sites in depth, thereby significantly enhancing Japan's defense capability.
In addition, the Type 12 shore-to-ship missile is equipped with an inertial navigation system and mid-course GPS guidance, and has superior accuracy due to upgraded terrain contour matching and target discrimination capabilities. The new Type 12 improved missile not only maintains the ability to strike at sea targets, but also adopts a stealth shape, which allows it to evade radar detection and has a certain advantage in striking aircraft carrier battle groups. At the same time, it has enhanced its ability to strike at ground targets, and its range of more than 1,000 kilometers is capable of striking enemy targets in depth, especially the launch sites of medium- and short-range ballistic missiles, making it a veritable land-attack cruise missile.
According to foreign analysis, this accelerated deployment highlights Japan's strategic consideration of strengthening its defense capability in the face of evolving security challenges with Russia and China. ** Chinese aircraft carrier battle group is shown.