Improved Type 12 SSM test launch. ATLA picture (upscaled using AI).

Japan unveils first images of new Type 12 anti-ship missile tests

Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) released images for the first time showing the launch test of the improved version of the Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missile (SSM) currently under development.

According to ATLA, five launch tests of the anti-ship missile were conducted to date, from early October to early November 2024 on Niijima Island, which faces the Pacific Ocean.

The Type 12 SSM originally had a range of about 200 km. The new upgraded version aims to extend the range to at least 900 km, and eventually to 1,200 km. The shape of the missile has also been modified to reduce the radar cross section (RCS) and make it stealthy. The “Type 12 SSM (Upgraded)” will also implement Up to Date Command (UDTC), which allows the missile to receive information about the target via satellite communications while in flight and more accurately attack moving targets.

This capability upgrade for Type 12 SSM was decided by the Japanese government in 2020, mainly against the background of China’s maritime expansion and military buildup, so that it can safely attack enemy naval vessels from outside the range of enemy anti-aircraft missiles.

The “Type 12 SSM (Upgraded)” will be developed not only in the conventional ground-launched variant, but also in ship- and aircraft-launched variant. The ground-launched variant will be developed from FY2021 to 2025, the ship-launched variant from FY2022 to 2026, and the aircraft-launched variant from FY2024 to 2028, respectively. According to the Ministry of Defense, the ground-launched variant is scheduled to begin deployment to units by March 2026.