Type 12 SSM (Upgraded)

Type 12 SSM (Upgraded)

Type: Ballistic Missile (ICBM)

Domain: land

Country of Origin: Japan

Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

First Deployed: 2026

Overview

Dramatically enhanced variant of the original Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, transformed from a 200km-range anti-ship weapon into a 1,000+ km multi-platform standoff cruise missile for land attack and anti-ship missions. The upgrade programme — accelerated under Japan's 2022 National Security Strategy — represents a fundamental shift in Japanese defence posture by providing a credible counterstrike capability. The improved Type 12 features a turbofan engine (replacing the original turbojet), terrain-following radar for low-altitude land-attack flight profiles, infrared imaging seeker combined with GPS/INS guidance, and a new warhead. Planned for deployment from ground-based launchers, surface ships (replacing the SSM-1B), JASDF F-2 and F-15J fighters, and potentially P-1 maritime patrol aircraft. Japan plans to acquire approximately 1,000 missiles with initial deliveries from 2026, marking the largest standoff munition programme in Japanese defence history.

Technical Specifications

typeGround/Ship/Air-Launched Cruise Missile
range1,000+ km (upgraded variant)
speedSubsonic
guidanceINS + GPS + active radar seeker + IIR (terminal)
platformsGround TEL, ship VLS, F-2/F-35 (air-launched variant)

Operators

Related land Weapon Systems