Japan’s Ministry of Defense has signed a 32 billion yen ($216 million) contract with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to develop a new generation of long-range, precision-guided missiles.
According to the Ministry, the weapons are designed to “prevent and eliminate invading troops” and will offer high accuracy against land and maritime targets, including in mountainous terrain.
The missiles are expected to be completed and operational by 2032.
The agreement is part of Japan’s broader effort to boost its missile defense strategy. In late March, Japan activated its 8th Surface-to-Ship Missile Regiment in Oita Prefecture. The regiment is outfitted with the Type 12 surface-to-ship missile system, which has a range of several hundred kilometers.
Altogether, Japan now has at least 112 launchers stationed to guard maritime approaches from China and Russia.
Aside from its domestic initiatives, Japan is also expanding cooperation with the United States on missile development and production.
During a recent visit to Tokyo by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, both countries reaffirmed their intention to jointly produce the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile, or AMRAAM.
Japan, which Hegseth described as “an indispensable partner in deterring Communist Chinese military aggression,” also expressed interest in co-producing the SM-6 surface-to-air missile. This missile is currently deployed by the U.S. Navy for a variety of missions, including air defense, ship strike, and ballistic missile interception.
North Korea vehemently condemned the recent agreement between Japan and the U.S., labeling it as yet another blatant example of Washington’s persistent efforts to militarize Japan, a move it claims aggravates regional security risks.
