Japan is set to station enhanced Type-12 Missiles in Kumamoto and Shizuoka.
Japan Accelerates Defense Buildup with Early Deployment of Type-12 Missile Systems
The Japanese Defense Ministry has announced a significant acceleration in the deployment of its advanced defense systems, with the operations of the ship- and aircraft-launched variants of the Type-12 missile system set to begin a year earlier than initially planned, in fiscal 2027.
The ship-based version of the Type-12 will be deployed at the Maritime Self-Defense Force's Yokosuka base, while the aircraft-launched variant will be stationed at the Air Self-Defense Force's Hyakuri base. The deployment at Camp Kengun in Kumamoto is scheduled for the current fiscal 2025 through March and fiscal 2026, with Camp Fuji in Shizuoka following in fiscal 2027.
The Type-12 long-range surface-to-ship missile system, along with the domestically produced surface-to-surface Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile (HVGP), are standoff missiles designed to enhance Japan's counterstrike capabilities. The HVGP, however, will not be part of the Type-12 missile system and will instead be deployed at GSDF camps in Hokkaido, Miyazaki Prefecture, and Southwestern Japan.
The HVGP, aimed at attacking foreign enemies from afar, is a response to China's increasing military activities. It will be deployed at Camp Fuji and GSDF camps in Hokkaido during fiscal years 2025 to 2026, with its deployment in other regions scheduled for a later date.
The Type-12 long-range surface-to-ship missile system will be deployed at four different bases in Japan, marking a significant expansion of Japan's defensive capabilities. The ministry's decision to expedite the deployment of these advanced systems underscores Japan's commitment to strengthening its defense posture in the face of regional security challenges.
However, it is important to note that the deployment of the surface-to-surface Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile is not scheduled for the current fiscal year or the following two fiscal years. The ministry has not disclosed the specific bases where the HVGP will be deployed beyond the previously mentioned locations.
This accelerated deployment of advanced defense systems is a testament to Japan's ongoing efforts to modernize its defense capabilities and maintain a strong deterrent against potential threats in the region.
