In exercises conducted this past Tuesday, Japan’s Self-Defense Forces carried out the launch of Type 88 coastal anti-ship missiles from national territory for the first time. According to local media reports, the test was conducted at the Shizunai firing range located in Hokkaidō Prefecture, with the designated target vessel positioned approximately 40 kilometers offshore.
Japanese troops have indicated that this will not be the only Type 88 missile launch during the ongoing training, which is expected to continue until June 29. The aim is to make the most of the opportunity to train at the Shizunai range, given its unique characteristics. Specifically, it spans about 1,256 square kilometers in a fan-shaped layout, with a 40-kilometer radius and a 90-degree central angle—making it the largest training area of its kind available in the country.
It is worth recalling that Type 88 missiles have previously been tested at training grounds in Australia and the United States. However, Japan’s Self-Defense Forces have emphasized the importance of conducting such tests from national territory to better reflect the real operational environment in the event of conflict. This move is also widely interpreted as Tokyo’s renewed effort to project deterrence amid rising regional tensions—particularly in light of increased Chinese naval activity near Japanese waters.
Without directly naming China, Japan’s Defense Minister Gen Nakatani commented in April: “Given the severe security environment in recent years, we are organizing live-fire training in-country (…) While there are range limitations, our goal is to ensure more units can train with advanced equipment.” Meanwhile, another regional power, Russia, condemned the exercises as “categorically unacceptable.”
Additionally, Japan is not only training for the deployment of the Type 88 missiles in potential conflict scenarios, but is also preparing for further tests of its new Type 12 anti-ship missile system. Following prior trials observed in December 2024, the new weapon promises significant improvements in range and sensor capabilities, with the goal of eventually replacing its Cold War-era predecessor. This development could be further supported by the planned establishment of a new firing range in the Ogasawara Islands, a project currently being pursued by the Self-Defense Forces for use in the next fiscal year.
*Images used for illustrative purposes.
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