First Images of Japan's Type-12 (Upgraded) SSM, Hypersonic Missiles?

The first photos of the new version of Japan's Type-12 Surface-to-Surface Missile (SSM) have been released to the public by Japan's ATLA (Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency).

This report from Naval News has the details (and more pictures). But broadly, the main improvement seems to be an increase in range from 200 km (on the previous Type-12) to a reported 900 km (with an eventual aim of reaching 1,200 km). This will give the Japanese Self Defense Forces a longer, stand-off reach to tackle targets.

Additionally, it appears the new airframe of the missile is designed to minimize its radar signature to make it more difficult for adversaries to detect or shoot down the missile as it approaches. This is a feature that previous-generation SSMs lacked and they could therefore be detected at longer ranges, giving more time for adversaries to prepare defences.

This previous SubMatts article from January 2022 by Pete, with information mainly from Anonymous, goes into the details of how the Type-12 missile achieves these enhanced capabilities.





Japan expects to field the improved Type-12 missile in operational units by around 2026. The Type-12 (Upgrade) is reportedly designed primarily for aircraft and ship-based usage but ground-based launchers might also become viable to use once the full range envelop is realized.

Given the presence of what appears to be a small air scoop/inlet on the underside of the missile (see first image from top), it would seem that the new missile is indeed powered by an air-breathing engine, a turbofan. The turbofan (below) is actually identified in January 2022 SubMatts article. 

Turbofan Engine (a jet) of improved Type-12 SSM.
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Subsonic Missiles to Supersonic, even Hypersonic

This would mean that the new Type-12, like its predecessors, would primarily or wholly travel at subsonic speeds (below Mach 1). Such a slow speed might be unable to defeat the suite of SSM-countermeasures used by China's PLA Navy. Japan may need to develop supersonic missiles like the Indian-Russian BrahMos or even hypersonic missiles to compete with Russia's hypersonic Zircon, emerging Chinese missiles and future North Korean developments.

In order to increase its survivability, the new Type-12 would have to rely almost entirely on its stealth characteristics - which is in line with the strategy employed by the United States' LRASM missile.

Japan, much like the US and other countries is pursuing gradual development of hypersonic weapon systems like the Hyper-Velocity Gliding Projectile (HVGP) program (tested earlier this year). But the results of these technology-demonstration efforts might take much longer to emerge in the form of operational weapon systems.

Until then, the Type-12 (Upgrade) would likely become Japan's go-to SSM for Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW). It might remain the mainstay even after some hypersonic missiles or gliding projectiles are inducted. Hypersonic missiles are expensive and difficult to develop - and to replenish once used.

Japan might need to rely on the US to fully develop hypersonic weapons in reasonable timeframes. Japan might then eventually secure licensed production rights to reduce reliance on US supplies.