According to information published by the Japanese Newspaper “The Mainichi” on June 5, 2021, Japan has planned to develop a new long-range surface-to-surface missile that could be launched from warships or fighter aircraft.
The development of the new surface-to-surface missile could start in 2022. Japan would like to enhance standoff weapons capabilities with the capacity to launch missiles from outside an enemy’s threat range.
In the defense budget 2021, Japan Government has allocated approx. $306 million for the development of a long-range standoff missile based on Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missile. The Japanese Government expects to conduct the first operational trials of the new long-range missile for warships in about five years and seven years and could enter into service in 2026 or later.