Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces unveiled on June 8 a series of cutting-edge weapons during the country’s largest annual event, the Fuji Firepower Exercise (富士総合火力演習), held in Shizuoka Prefecture.
For the first time, the upgraded launcher of the Type 12 surface-to-ship missile (12SSM Kai) was publicly presented — a strategic weapon with a range of up to 1,000 km. The new model features significant improvements in stealth and long-range attack capabilities, aligning with the Japanese concept of “counterattack” — designed to neutralize threats beyond the enemy’s strike range.
The launcher, equipped with four launch rails, was first used in simulated combat in 2024 on Niijima Island, south of Tokyo. Mass production of the system is scheduled to begin in fiscal year 2023, with deployment planned across seven missile regiments located between Hokkaido and Okinawa.
Source and images: Japan Ministry of Defense, X @JGSDF_pr
