Last week, Japan reached an important stage in the development of its long-range capabilities to strike Chinese military ships by beginning flight tests of the aviation variant of the modernized anti-ship missile Type 12. This weapon is reported to have a range of about 1,000 km (620 miles).
Photographs taken by aviation enthusiasts on July 30 at the Gifu airbase in central Japan show a Mitsubishi F-2B fighter carrying two inert samples of the missile under its wings. This was the first public confirmation of flight tests designed to verify aerodynamic characteristics and structural loads before separation and combat launches. These tests bring Tokyo closer to deploying its own family of long-range stand-off missiles that can be deployed from land, sea, and air.
Strengthening the alliance and strategies
According to Hughes, this step strengthens Japan’s alliance with the United States, more closely aligning Tokyo’s new counterstrike doctrine with Washington’s doctrine. This makes it more difficult for Beijing to undermine allied deterrence or split the two allies during a crisis. He also noted that the expansion of the missile family will strengthen the defense of Japan’s southwestern islands, allowing Tokyo to create its own anti-access strategy capable of deterring operations by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army in the region.
If necessary, Hughes added, these missiles could also allow Japan to strike ground military targets, including command and control nodes.
Source: South China Morning Post
