Japan tests Type 88 missile in multinational military drills

Japan’s Self-Defence Forces have conducted a live-fire launch of a Type 88 anti-ship missile during joint naval exercises with the United States, Australia, and the Philippines.

The missile struck a decommissioned Philippine Navy vessel in waters facing the disputed South China Sea, Caliber.Az reports, citing Reuters.

The drills come amid ongoing talks between Manila and Tokyo on potential transfers of defence equipment following Japan’s easing of export restrictions, including discussions on providing Abukuma-class destroyers and TC-90 aircraft to the Philippines.

The launch was observed by Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, while Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. monitored the exercise remotely from Manila.

According to Philippine military officials, two Type 88 missiles hit the decommissioned vessel BRP Quezon roughly six minutes after launch, at a distance of about 75 kilometres off the country’s northern coast.

The live-fire drills were part of the annual “Balikatan” exercises, involving more than 17,000 troops.

In addition to the United States and the Philippines, Japan participated actively for the first time, alongside Canada, Australia, France, and New Zealand.

The Philippine defence ministry said the exercises demonstrate growing interoperability among allied forces and are aimed at strengthening regional security and freedom of navigation.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov