Photo/Illutration The launch vehicle for the enhanced Type 12 surface-to-ship missile is showcased at the Higashi-Fuji training area in Shizuoka Prefecture on June 8. (Daisuke Yajima)

The Ground Self-Defense Force for the first time showcased its long-range missile launcher vehicle designed to hit enemy ships and bases under Japan’s “counterstrike” capability.

The vehicle, which launches the upgraded Type 12 surface-to-ship missile (12SSM), was displayed on June 8 during the Fuji Firepower Exercise at the Higashi-Fuji training area in Shizuoka Prefecture, the largest live-fire drill of the GSDF.

The upgraded 12SSM has a range of 1,000 kilometers, longer than its predecessor, and has stealth capability, making it difficult for enemies to detect.

It will serve as a standoff missile that can strike warships and bases from outside the enemy’s range.

During the drill, the vehicle demonstrated actual combat movements, such as pointing its four launchers on the cargo bed toward the sky.

The vehicle had its first missile test-firing on Niijima island south of Tokyo last year.

Mass production of the launch vehicle started in fiscal 2023, with China’s increasing military activities in mind.

Starting this fiscal year, the launch vehicles are expected to be deployed to seven surface-to-ship missile regiments from Hokkaido to Okinawa Prefecture.

About 870 million yen ($6 million) has been allocated for ammunition alone in the Fuji Firepower Exercise.

To address chronic personnel shortages, the Self-Defense Forces invited about 3,800 junior high and high school students and their parents to the drill, which was also streamed online in real-time.

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