Photo/Illutration A transporter and launch vehicle for the enhanced Type 12 anti-ship missile is seen at the Higashi-Fuji training area, Shizuoka Prefecture, on June 8. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

The Defense Ministry is finalizing a plan to deploy long‑range anti-ship missiles at a site in Kumamoto Prefecture as a deterrence to China, several government sources said.

The domestically produced Type 12 missiles will be installed at the Ground Self-Defense Force’s Camp Kengun in Kumamoto Prefecture during this fiscal year, at a time of stepped-up Chinese military maneuvers around the Nansei islands, the sources said.

Japan’s fiscal year runs through March 31.

The government plans to operate the upgraded version of the Type 12 surface-to-ship missiles as a standoff capability, operating outside the enemy’s range.

The enhanced Type 12 missile has a range of 1,000 kilometers, greater than its predecessor. It can reach China’s coastline.

Government sources said the missile will be deployed to GSDF Camp Yufuin in the future, although the date has not been decided. It could come next fiscal year or later.

Deployment to the GSDF's Vice Camp Katsuren in Okinawa Prefecture is also under consideration.

Mass production of the upgraded Type 12 missile began in fiscal 2023. The weapon was test-fired last year on Niijima island south of Tokyo.

The government named a standoff missile capability in its three revised security-related documents in 2022.

However, the possession of these missiles has raised concerns from some quarters.

One concern is that it increases the likelihood of the bases being targeted during hostilities.

Another concern is that possessing standoff missiles is in conflict with Japan’s Constitution, which limits the Self-Defense Forces to protecting the country.

(This story was written by Mizuki Sato and Daisuke Yajima.)

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