Japan ramps up missile development to bolster defence against invasion threats

In a significant move to strengthen its defense capabilities amid growing regional tensions, Japan has awarded Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) a contract to develop a new generation of long-range, precision-guided missiles designed specifically to repel potential invasions.

The Japanese Ministry of Defense announced on April 1 that the 32 billion yen ($216 million) deal is part of a broader initiative to enhance the nation’s standoff missile capabilities, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The newly commissioned missiles will be developed for the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) and are slated for completion by 2032, with development running through 2028.

According to the ministry, these advanced ground-to-ground and ground-to-ship missiles will serve a critical role in Japan’s national defense posture, aimed at “preventing and eliminating invading troops.”

While technical details remain limited, the ministry shared diagrams indicating that the new missiles will be capable of striking vulnerable parts of enemy ships and traversing Japan’s rugged, mountainous terrain to hit land-based targets with exceptional accuracy. These standoff weapons are designed to engage threats from a safe distance, reflecting Japan’s shift toward a more proactive and deterrent-based defense strategy.

The new development contract fits within the framework of Japan’s “three white papers”—the National Security Strategy, the National Defense Strategy, and the Defense Buildup Plan—which were launched in 2022 to respond to emerging threats, particularly from nearby nations.

To support this strategic overhaul, Japan has earmarked approximately 939 billion yen for its standoff defense arsenal. This includes:

• 16.8 billion yen ($112.6 million) for upgrading and expanding the Type 12 surface-to-ship missile system,

• 3 billion yen ($20.1 million) for developing submarine-launched guided missiles, and

• 29.3 billion yen ($160.2 million) for high-velocity gliding missiles intended to protect Japan’s remote islands.

In addition, Tokyo plans to acquire joint strike missiles for its F-35A fighter jets, as well as joint air-to-surface standoff missiles for its upgraded F-15 fleet—adding long-range strike options to its air capabilities.

Last year, Japan made headlines by announcing the purchase of 400 additional Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States. Some of these Tomahawks, alongside truck-mounted Type 12 missiles, are expected to be deployed a year ahead of schedule in 2025.

Further strengthening its bilateral defense ties with the US, Japan recently confirmed a co-development agreement for AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles. The announcement came during US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s visit to Japan earlier this week.

During the visit, Hegseth described Japan as “an indispensable partner in deterring Communist Chinese military aggression,” underscoring the strategic importance of Tokyo’s expanding role in regional security.

By Tamilla Hasanova