Japanese Ministry of Defence is conducting range extension studies on Type 12 missile systems. The value is expected to increase from 200 kilometres to at least 1,200. However, official sources claim that the missile can only be ready in 2026.
Emerging China and North Korea threats are pushing Japan to new armament programs. Agreements with the United States and laws restrict Japan's acquisition of deep-strike capable weapon issues. In the past, the country even could not equip some of its aircraft with radar warning receivers. However, changing the red threat dimension is forcing Japan to have more capable weapons and the United States to allow and support this.
