Japan's new 12SSM-ER missile enhances defense against China
Japan has conducted tests of a new missile, the 12SSM-ER, which boasts a range of 930 miles. This development marks a significant step forward in strengthening Japan's defense capabilities. Here is what is known about the new missile.
The Japanese Ministry of Defense, in cooperation with the Self-Defense Forces, tested the 12SSM-ER missile, which has a range of approximately 930 miles. The tests were conducted from a land-based launcher with two transport-launch containers mounted on the heavy Mitsubishi 8×8 Gen.2 platform.
This system is crucial for Japan, which has been shifting away from its pacifist policy and lifting export restrictions on old and new armaments in recent years. A notable example in the latter category is the joint sixth-generation fighter project "Tempest," which is being developed with the United Kingdom and Italy to replace the aging F-2 fighter fleet.
12SSM-ER missile - Japan's counter to the Chinese fleet
The new missile is based on the anti-ship Type-12, which has a range of 124 miles, but has been extended in the 12SSM-ER version. It is expected to be 30 feet long and weigh up to 3,527 pounds, making it comparable to the American Tomahawk, which Japan is also acquiring as a temporary deterrent for its naval surface ships.
The new missile is likely to be deployed in a land-based coastal defense system or a sea-based version for installation on Type 13DDX destroyers. These, combined with drones and supported by artificial intelligence algorithms, will form a very formidable weapon system. Japan will also be able to use this system to support its American ally in the region.
Aside from its mass and dimensions, the missile is equipped with a rocket booster that detaches after burnout, with a turbojet engine handling the remainder of the flight. The missile's speed is expected to be similar to that of the regular Type-12, approximately 0.9 Mach (1,004 feet per second).
The specifics of the warhead and guidance system remain open questions. The 12SSM-ER may have a larger warhead exceeding 496 pounds, and the guidance system may also be improved. The anti-ship variant utilized a combination of inertial navigation and a radar-seeking head in the final phase of the flight.
In the case of the 12SSM-ER version, the GPS and INS tandem likely persist, but it is enhanced with a communication link to ensure connectivity with the carrier. Additionally, following the trend in cruise missiles, it is likely that the Japanese have chosen an electro-optical head that can detect the thermal image of the target and track the terrain, similar to what is used in the Storm Shadow or Taurus KEPD-350.
