ASM-3 (XASM-3)

Indigenous supersonic air-launched anti-ship missile developed for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-2 fighter fleet. Features a ramjet propulsion system achieving speeds of Mach 3+ with a range of approximately 200 km. The ASM-3 uses a combined active radar and passive anti-radiation seeker for terminal guidance, enabling engagement of enemy warships by homing on their radar emissions even if the active seeker is jammed. Mid-course guidance via inertial navigation with GPS updates. Designed to penetrate advanced naval air defence systems through a combination of high speed (reducing enemy reaction time), sea-skimming flight profile, and electronic countermeasures. The ASM-3 was developed specifically to counter the growing anti-access/area-denial threat posed by modern naval forces in the Western Pacific. An improved variant (ASM-3A) with extended range is reportedly in development. Represents one of the few operational supersonic anti-ship missiles outside of Russia and China.