On October 6, 2025, Japan’s Ministry of Defense announced the signing of a contract with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for the mass production of two new missile systems designed to strengthen the so-called “long-range defense capability” or “stand-off defense capability.” Among them is a version launchable from Taigei-class submarines, as well as an improved naval variant of the Type 12 anti-ship missile.
According to the official statement, the contract for the mass production of the torpedo tube-launched missile amounts to approximately 2.9 billion yen (around USD 19 million), while that for the ship-launched Type 12 amounts to 25 billion yen (USD 164.2 million). The Ministry indicated that the latter system is expected to enter operation during fiscal year 2027, while the entry into service date for the submarine-launched model has not yet been revealed.
The development of these versions aims to accelerate the introduction of domestically produced long-range missiles capable of striking targets from outside enemy range. “We will continue to promote the acquisition of various stand-off missiles and work toward the early establishment of this defensive capability,” stated the Ministry of Defense in its announcement.
The decision is part of a broader strategy aimed at preventing or neutralizing potential long-range incursions, reinforcing Japan’s deterrence capabilities. These missiles are added to other systems under development, such as the improved land-based version of the Type 12 and the fast-gliding hypersonic missile intended for the defense of remote islands.
In parallel, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force continues to expand its fleet of Taigei-class attack submarines. In March of this year, the force officially commissioned its fourth unit, JS Raigei (SS 516), during a ceremony at Kawasaki Heavy Industries’ shipyard in the city of Kobe. The vessel was assigned to the 1st Submarine Division of the 1st Submarine Flotilla based in Kure, Hiroshima Prefecture. The Raigei had been launched in October 2023 and since then underwent sea and systems trials prior to entering service.
The conventionally powered Taigei class represents Japan’s most modern generation of submarines. Initially composed of five units, its production was expanded to a second batch with the goal of strengthening the country’s undersea warfare capabilities.
The new Type 12 missile, officially unveiled during the Fuji Firepower 2025 exercises in Shizuoka Prefecture, reaches up to 1,200 kilometers—a considerably greater range compared to previous versions, which had a range of about 200 kilometers. It also incorporates stealth features that make it more difficult to detect. The land-based version, integrated into an eight-wheeled vehicle, was primarily designed to counter China’s naval activities in the region.
According to Japanese authorities, the naval and submarine variants of the missile will be ready around 2026, while an air-to-surface version is planned for 2028. With their implementation, the Taigei-class attack submarines will gain significantly enhanced projection capabilities, consolidating Japan as one of the countries with the most advanced technological development in maritime defense systems within the Indo-Pacific region.
*Images used for illustrative purposes.
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