On June 24, the 1st Artillery Brigade of Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Forces conducted a test launch of a Type 88 surface-to-ship anti-ship missile during an exercise at the Shizunai military training ground, located on the island of Hokkaido.
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The target was an unmanned vessel located approximately 40 kilometers off the island’s southern coast. The launch is part of a series of military demonstrations aimed at reinforcing the country’s defensive readiness amid China’s growing naval presence in the region.
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According to Japanese defense officials, the Type 88 missile is considered a key component in deterring potential incursions by the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) near the Japanese archipelago.
Expansion of Japan’s Offensive Capabilities
The exercise comes amid Japan’s ongoing efforts to modernize its long-range strike capabilities. The Japanese government plans to begin deploying Tomahawk cruise missiles—acquired from the United States—later this year as part of its new active defense strategy.
In addition, Tokyo is conducting tests with the new long-range Type 12 anti-ship missile, an improved version of the Type 88 with an extended range of up to 1,000 km—ten times that of the current model. This next-generation missile is expected to allow Japan to strike targets at great distances with higher accuracy, enhancing its response capacity to potential naval threats.
The increasing militarization of the Western Pacific is fueling a regional arms race, with Japan, China, and other Asian countries investing heavily in missile, surveillance, and air defense technologies.
Sources and images: Telegram @china3army | X @AsagumoNews52. This content was created with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team.
