Japan’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) has awarded Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) two contracts to begin mass production of a submarine-launched guided missile and an enhanced Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, in response to escalating security threats from China and North Korea.
The submarine-launched missile contract is valued at around 2.9 billion yen ($19 million), while the upgraded Type 12 missile deal is worth approximately 25 billion yen ($164 million).
The Type 12 upgrade is scheduled to enter service by fiscal year 2027, with the sub-launched missile expected to become operational by 2028. Both projects aim to reinforce Japan’s stand-off strike capabilities against hostile land targets and naval forces.
According to the MoD, Japan is rapidly strengthening its long-range defense posture to detect and destroy enemy threats early and from afar, emphasizing the need for domestically produced stand-off missiles.
Upgraded Type 12 Missile
Launched in 2022, the Type 12 upgrade program seeks to extend range from 200 km to over 900 km (559 mi), while enhancing stealth and adding land-attack functionality. The missile, weighing about 680 kg (1,500 lb), is truck-mounted with six rounds per launcher. It employs GPS and terrain-contour navigation, paired with an AESA radar seeker for precise targeting.
Submarine-Launched Missile
The new cruise missile will significantly outperform the Harpoon Block II, which has a range of just 129 km (80 mi), by offering extended strike reach and land-attack capability.
Developed under a 2023 MoD contract, the system is designed to neutralize enemy missile launch sites and may share design roots with the upgraded Type 12.
These contracts build upon Japan’s April agreement with MHI to create next-generation, long-range precision missiles compatible with existing Type 12 launch systems, slated for service entry in 2032.
