Images of a launcher truck carrying large-sized canisters for what might be cruise missiles were spotted in Japan and shared on social media.
Japanese X user @momonari_kabuto shared an image of the launcher truck armed with four missiles of unconfirmed type. The missiles are believed to be the “Upgraded Type 12” anti-ship missiles set to succeed the legacy Type 12 anti-ship missiles.
Japan test-fired the upgraded Type 12 anti-ship missile in 2024, which should rather be considered a whole new missile as it is larger, features stealth characteristics, and can reach a much longer range. The range for the stealthy anti-ship missile to be deployed on warships and land platforms is beyond 900 km.
No info has been released on the guidance system, but considering a secondary land attack capability suggests GNSS+INS+EO/IR, like the smaller Kongsberg NSM, developed with a similar intent.
Another initiative from Japan to develop long-range strike capabilities is the new hypersonic glide weapon that has been test-fired several times from a site located in the U.S. The missile is similar to an SRBM in dimensions and carries a fin-controlled symmetric glide vehicle carrying the warhead.
