Japan’s Defense Ministry announced it will deploy a new domestically developed long-range missile to a Ground Self-Defense Force unit for the first time on March 31 at Camp Kengun in Kumamoto City. The system is an upgraded version of the Type 12 surface-to-ship guided missile used by the GSDF, with its range extended to about 1,000 kilometers. Designed as a stand-off missile, it enables strikes from outside an adversary’s attack range and is intended to form a key element of Japan’s counterstrike capability if missile interception alone is insufficient. The missile will initially be deployed on ground launchers, with plans for future use from ships and aircraft. From Kyushu, the system’s range could extend to parts of China’s coastline and surrounding areas of the East China Sea. Source: Yomiuri Shimbun / Nikkei
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