Japan to Deploy Ship-Killer Missiles To Counter China’s Expansion

Japan plans to deploy upgraded "ship killer" missiles as soon as next year, a move seen as a potential lifeline for Taiwan in the event of a Chinese blockade, Nicola Smith reported for The Telegraph.

Japan plans to acquire various types of stand-off missiles earlier than originally scheduled, including Tomahawk missiles and the ground-launched version of the upgraded Type-12 missiles. I Photo: 防衛省

The details of the upgraded Type-12 surface-to-ship missile were unveiled in Japan's defense ministry's annual white paper last month.

Defense Minister Minoru Kihara emphasized the urgent need to enhance Japan’s defense capabilities, stating, "Japan finds itself in the most severe and complex security environment of the post-war era."

Kihara cited China’s rapid military build-up, joint drills with Russia, and the nuclear weapons threat from North Korea as key concerns.

Japan plans to acquire various types of stand-off missiles earlier than originally scheduled, including Tomahawk missiles and the ground-launched version of the upgraded Type-12 missiles.

The white paper included an image of the SSM prototype, which features a low-observable nose and foldable swept-back wings designed to reduce the radar cross-section, making it more stealthy.

While the new range of the missile has not been officially disclosed, Japanese media reports suggest it could hit targets up to 560 miles away, with the potential to extend this range to between 750 and 930 miles.

If these ranges are confirmed, deploying the missile system on Japan's southwestern islands would put northern Taiwan or its waters within striking distance, according to Dr. Collin Koh, a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore.