Japan’s new supersonic missile: A game-changer in naval defense
This year, Japan will begin the deployment of the first supersonic ASM-3A anti-ship missiles designed for use on aircraft such as the F-2. Here's what we know about Japan’s new anti-ship weapon.
According to the portal Jwing, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) will start deploying the ASM-3A missiles in the current fiscal year. This modern supersonic anti-ship weapon is intended for use on F-2 aircraft.
The new system will replace older versions of the ASM-2, enabling Mitsubishi F-2 aircraft to remain effective in attacking enemy ships due to their increased range, which is estimated to be between 186 to 249 miles.
ASM-3A missile - a supersonic threat to the Russian fleet
This missile is approximately 20 feet in length and weighs just under 2,205 pounds. It can reach speeds over Mach 3 (approximately 3,376 feet/s) and fly at very low altitudes, posing significant challenges for ship self-defense systems.
The Japanese have achieved this capability while maintaining long range by using a ramjet engine instead of a traditional solid-fuel rocket engine. This is indicated by the air intakes on the bottom of the missile, similar to the European air-to-air MBDA Meteor missile.
Ramjet engine — much more efficient than a rocket engine
A ramjet engine operates similarly to a rocket engine, but it does not require an oxidizer in the fuel composition, only a combustible substance. The oxygen necessary for combustion is drawn from the atmosphere through specific air intakes, which also act as air compressors before the air reaches the combustion chamber.
As a result, with the same fuel mass, the engine achieves longer operating times, which translates to higher missile speed and range. Although it requires a speed of about Mach 2 to ignite, a rocket booster is used for a few seconds to reach this speed.
The missile's ability to hit its target relies on a combination of satellite and inertial navigation, aided by an active radar seeker in the final phase of flight. Unfortunately, the warhead is unknown, but it is likely similar to other penetrator-explosive solutions used in competing anti-ship missiles. This will notably enhance the capabilities of the Japanese air force in the event of a confrontation with the Chinese fleet.
