Japan Intends to Equip Kumamoto and Shizuoka Regions with Enhanced Type-12 Missile Systems
Japan Accelerates Deployment of Long-Range Missile Systems
Japan's Defense Ministry has announced plans to deploy an upgraded Type-12 long-range surface-to-ship missile system at two Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) bases. The deployment, which was initially scheduled for fiscal 2027, will now take place a year earlier.
The bases in question are Camp Kengun in the city of Kumamoto, in the southwestern prefecture of Kumamoto, and Camp Fuji in the Shizuoka town of Oyama, in the central prefecture of Shizuoka. The improved missile system deployment at Camp Fuji will occur in fiscal 2027, while the deployment at Camp Kengun will happen in the current fiscal 2025 through next March and fiscal 2026.
At Camp Fuji, the surface-to-surface Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile will also be deployed. This standoff missile, designed to attack foreign enemies from afar, will not be deployed on ship- or aircraft-based variants at the specified bases.
The JGSDF will also provide the tactical defense unit Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile in the battles in Hokkaido and Miyazaki. In addition, the surface-to-surface Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile will be deployed at GSDF camps in Miyazaki Prefecture, southwestern Japan, and in Hokkaido, northernmost Japan.
Meanwhile, the ship-based variant of the Type-12 will be deployed at the Maritime SDF's Yokosuka base in the city of Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, south of Tokyo. The aircraft-launched variant of the Type-12 will be deployed at the Air SDF's Hyakuri base in the city of Omitama, Ibaraki Prefecture, northeast of Tokyo.
The increased military activities of China are a significant factor in the deployment of these weapons. The aim is to accelerate the buildup of Japan's counterstrike capabilities. It's important to note that all the weapons being deployed are standoff missiles, domestically produced in Japan.
This deployment marks a significant step forward in Japan's defense strategy, as the country continues to strengthen its military capabilities in response to regional security challenges.
