The Japanese Ministry of Defense confirmed that a new launch test of an improved version of the Type 12 anti-ship missile recently took place, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the stand-off attack capabilities of the Self-Defense Forces deployed from island environments. According to the official statement released on December 19, the test verified that the launch and the missile’s overall behavior during the flight phase proceeded as planned, marking another step forward in the operational introduction of the new missile system.
The overall objective of these tests is to enhance Japan’s ability to detect, deter, and neutralize threats, such as invasion forces, in line with the revision of its defense doctrine. In this context, the Ministry of Defense emphasized that the improved version of the Type 12 missile is a central element of the stand-off defense concept, designed to extend the effective strike range of the Self-Defense Forces and improve the safety of the units employing it, by allowing operations to be conducted outside the reach of enemy defense systems.
The test is part of a broader development and validation process for the system, which reached a significant milestone in mid-2025, when the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force officially unveiled the new improved Type 12 missile. On that occasion, Japanese authorities highlighted that the missile is designed not only for employment from land-based platforms, but also for future integration on naval and aerial platforms, expanding its strategic value within the Self-Defense Forces.
In this regard, Japan has already advanced in demonstrating the Type 12 anti-ship missile’s capabilities at the international level. In particular, the country carried out a demonstration in Australia, where the system was presented as part of broader efforts to strengthen regional security cooperation with partners. At the same time, this activity also aimed to showcase the level of maturity achieved by the missile and its potential interoperability with regional forces.
On the other hand, the program is also reportedly considering the integration of the missile into the new Taigei-class attack submarines, which would represent a qualitative leap in the offensive capabilities of the Maritime Self-Defense Force. According to various sources, incorporating this weapon into submarine platforms would provide Japan with an additional long-range anti-ship strike option, increasing the complexity and depth of its deterrence posture.
By way of brief recap, the Type 12 anti-ship missile represents a significant evolution compared to the previous version currently in service. The program envisages a substantial increase in range, improvements in navigation and guidance systems, and greater flexibility of employment from different platforms. In particular, these characteristics are also intended to provide Japan with a more credible anti-ship strike capability and enhanced regional deterrence.
Finally, observers and official sources maintain that with these new tests, Japan continues to consolidate the development of the Type 12 anti-ship missile as one of the pillars of its military modernization. Furthermore, it should not be overlooked that this progressive validation of systems and their future integration across multiple platforms reflect the strategic shift adopted by Tokyo in recent years, aimed at strengthening its response capabilities in an increasingly demanding and competitive regional environment.
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