Japan unveils long-range Type-12 missile with 1,000 km strike capability

Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force have officially revealed an upgraded version of the Type-12 surface-to-ship missile, now capable of hitting targets more than 1,000 kilometers away.

The unveiling took place during large-scale military drills near Mount Fuji, Caliber.Az reports via Japanese media.

The enhanced missile system, developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, is engineered for launch from land, sea, and air platforms. During the exercises, a mobile, wheeled variant equipped with four missiles was demonstrated, emphasising both its operational flexibility and long-range strike potential.

Approximately 2,000 personnel participated in the exercises, which showcased Japan’s growing defense capabilities amid heightened regional tensions. The upgraded Type-12 systems will enter service in the 2025 fiscal year, ending in March 2026. The first units are slated for deployment on Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost main island, located near the East China Sea—a region of increasing strategic importance. 

Tokyo views the Type-12 as a central element of its national defense strategy, particularly as the government seeks to enhance deterrence. Complementing the domestic system, Japan also plans to acquire 400 Tomahawk cruise missiles from the US. In addition to the missile demonstration, the training exercise included around 50 tanks and armored vehicles, 60 artillery units, and more than 20 fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. Nearly 77 tons of live ammunition were expended during the drills.

By Naila Huseynova