The Japanese Ministry of Defense has commissioned Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) to begin mass production of two advanced missile systems—an improved Type 12 surface-to-ship missile and a submarine-launched guided missile—as Tokyo ramps up its defenses against growing regional threats.
The contracts are valued at 2.9 billion yen ($19 million) for the sub-launched system and 25 billion yen ($164 million) for the Type 12 upgrade. The enhanced Type 12 is expected to enter service in 2027, while the submarine-launched missile could be operational by 2028.
The initiative supports Japan’s effort to build a robust stand-off defense network, capable of intercepting and striking enemy assets long before they reach Japanese territory.
Enhanced Type 12 Missile
Originally developed as an anti-ship weapon, the Type 12 is undergoing upgrades to extend its range from 200 km to about 900 km, reduce its radar signature, and enable land-attack missions. Mounted on eight-wheeled launchers, each system carries six missiles guided by GPS and terrain mapping, and equipped with an AESA radar seeker for target validation.
Submarine-Launched System
The new submarine-launched cruise missile, based on technology derived from the Type 12, will provide land-attack and long-range engagement capabilities, surpassing the Harpoon Block II’s 129 km range.
MHI has been developing the system since 2023, targeting deployment for strategic strike missions such as neutralizing enemy missile bases.
These latest awards follow MHI’s April 2025 contract to develop next-generation long-range missiles compatible with existing Type 12 launchers, slated for deployment by 2032.
