Japanese MoD has published a photo of what is dubbed an Improved Type 12 surface-launched cruise missile to upgrade its ASuW capabilities. Japanese MoD captioned the photo with a statement that the test model has passed the ground tests. These ground tests might refer to structural integrity tests to ensure the missile with a notable amount of moving parts stays intact upon launch.
Such tests are preceded by computer-based tests on a model for rough verification, which hints at the progress of the design. Type 12 is the mainstay ASuW weapon of the JMSDF warships and a counterpart to the U.S.-made RGM-84 Harpoon missiles. The “Improved Type 12” was stated to feature a longer range of 900 km (Versus 200 km of the baseline missile) and a stealthier outer design with folding wings configuration as opposed to the conventional four-fin of Type 12.
The missiles are expected to take on both ASuW and land attack missions with an optical seeker replacing the RF seeker from the original.
The missile will be available to coastal launchers, warships, and fighters. As reported by Naval News, the coastal version was developed in 2021, while the naval and air-launched variants began in 2022 and 2024.
Type 12, alongside Japan’s recent high-end projects like ATLA’s railgun and HGVP tactical boost-glide munition, is a sign of Japan taking action based on concerns over conflict with China. The Japanese parliament has approved a relaxation on military exports to become more active in the defence sector globally.
