Japan has awarded mass-production contracts to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) for two key missile systems: an upgraded, ship-launched Type 12 anti-ship missile and a submarine-launched cruise missile fired from torpedo tubes.
According to the Ministry of Defense, the contracts aim to improve Japan’s ability to detect, intercept, and neutralise enemy forces early and from a safe distance. Officials said the ministry is prioritising domestically produced missiles to speed up deployment and ensure supply chain security.
Japan’s recently published defence white paper, identifies standoff defence as a core pillar of its modernisation programme. The Self-Defense Forces plan to target enemy vessels and landing forces approaching Japan, including its remote islands, from locations outside of threat zones.
Under the plan, development of the ship-launched version of the upgraded Type 12 is expected to be completed by the end of Japan’s fiscal year 2026.
A new submarine-launched cruise missile will also be introduced, using existing torpedo
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