Indo-Pacific Security: Japan’s Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missile Fired Off Australian Coast

Japan and Australia forged an unbreakable bond of military cooperation as the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) conducted a groundbreaking live fire demonstration of its advanced Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missile (SSM) off the Australian east coast during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023. This historic moment showcases the deepening alliance between the two nations, fostering regional security and a free Indo-Pacific.

In a strong display of military cooperation, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) showcased its prowess by conducting a live fire demonstration of its Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missile (SSM) during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 off the Australian east coast.

Japan’s Type 12 SSM Takes Center Stage

The live fire exercise, which involved launching the Type 12 SSM from a truck-mounted system at Beecroft Weapons Range, marked the first time the JGSDF has tested this capability on Australian soil. The missile was fired at an unmanned target in the East Australia Exercise Area near Jervis Bay, underscoring the significant joint training opportunity between Japan and Australia.

#ICYMI 💥

The @JGSDF_pr have started #TalismanSabre2023 with a bang, firing a Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missile for the first time in Australia. @Japan_GSDF#StrongerTogether #FriendsAlliesPartners pic.twitter.com/PHkvXfpzrV

— Talisman Sabre (@TalismanSabre) July 23, 2023

Exercise Director Brigadier Damian Hill emphasized the importance of Talisman Sabre in strengthening interoperability between military forces and deepening partnerships with regional allies. He praised Japan’s substantial participation in the exercise, which exemplifies the ever-growing cooperation between nations.

Setting the Stage for a Dynamic Indo-Pacific Theater

Australia and Japan have long collaborated to foster a secure, resilient, prosperous Indo-Pacific region, conducting regular military training exercises. However, the missile firing during Talisman Sabre 2023 presented a unique opportunity to work on more complex joint training activities, further solidifying their alliance.

General Morishita Yasunori, Chief of Staff of the JGSDF, highlighted the significance of Exercise Talisman Sabre in strengthening Japan’s cooperation with Australia and the United States. He emphasized that such exercises play a crucial role in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, nurturing high levels of trust between nations.

In an Australian first, @JGSDF_pr has conducted a live-fire demonstration of a Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missile (SSM) as part of #TalismanSabre2023

The Type 12 SSM was launched from the truck-mounted system at Beecroft Weapons Range. @Japan_GSDF @Australian_Navy #TS23 pic.twitter.com/Nqcl8LxAwJ

— Talisman Sabre (@TalismanSabre) July 22, 2023

The opening ceremony of Talisman Sabre 2023 was held aboard HMAS Canberra in Sydney, signaling the beginning of the multinational exercise, which involves more than 30,000 military personnel from 13 nations. Alongside Japan, countries such as Germany, South Korea, Tonga, New Zealand, France, Canada, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea are participating, enhancing the exercise’s diverse and inclusive nature.

Furthermore, forces from Thailand, Singapore, and the Philippines were invited to observe the activity, promoting transparency and cooperation among nations in the Indo-Pacific region.
The demonstrations conducted during Talisman Sabre 2023 include firepower deployment, amphibious and airborne missions, ground combat, and large-scale logistics, showcasing the robustness and readiness of participating militaries.

What’s Type 12 SSM?

Japan’s Type 12 SSM is a remarkable feat of engineering, developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in 2012, representing a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the Type 88. With its innovative features and advanced capabilities, the Type 12 SSM has solidified its position as a formidable asset in Japan’s defense arsenal.

One of the key advancements of the Type 12 lies in its precise guidance system, boasting an Inertial Navigation System (INS) combined with mid-course GPS guidance. This powerful combination ensures accurate targeting and improved precision, while enhanced Terrain Contour Matching and target discrimination capabilities further enhance its deadly accuracy.
The missile’s range is equally impressive, boasting a maximum reach of up to 250 kilometers, effectively extending the threat radius beyond the horizon. Moreover, the Type 12 SSM is designed to carry a warhead of up to 250 kilograms, making it a potent anti-ship weapon capable of significantly impacting its intended targets.

The Japanese Ministry of Defense’s recent approval to develop an improved version of the Type 12 SSM has intensified its already formidable capabilities. The future target range of 1,500 kilometers is a testament to Japan’s commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities in the face of regional security challenges. The improved version aims to introduce stealthy features, reducing its radar cross-section (RCS) and high mobility to evade potential enemy interception effectively. Notably, the enhanced missile is designed to target not only naval vessels but also ground-based threats, expanding its versatility and utility on the battlefield.

The ongoing development also focuses on flexibility, intending to deploy the improved Type 12 SSM not just from ground-based launchers but also from naval vessels and aircraft. This adaptability underscores Japan’s strategic vision for integrated defense operations and multi-platform deployment, ensuring a dynamic and agile response to evolving security scenarios.

The Type 12 SSM is powered by a liquid-fueled air-breathing engine, a technological marvel that allows it to maintain high speeds and extended ranges. Additionally, its maritime counterpart, the Type 17 missile, offers similar capabilities when mounted on naval platforms. Its adaptability is further evident in its utilization as the ASM-1 air-to-ship guided missile on the JASDF F-2 support fighter and its role as a coastal defense missile system, effectively replacing the previous Type 88 system.

As the development of the improved Type 12 ground-launched anti-ship missile progresses, Japan’s defense capabilities are set to reach new heights by the projected completion of fiscal year 2025. The Type 12 SSM stands as a testament to Japan’s commitment to enhancing its defense preparedness and regional security, solidifying its role as a formidable player in the Indo-Pacific theater.