Latest news with #FujiFirepowerExercise
India.com
3 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
Masterstroke by India's ally, deploys a deadly threat to Chinese warships, China's aircraft carriers could be reduced to...it can destroy...
Japan showcased the Type 12 (12SSM) Coastal Defense Missile System Tokyo: In a major development, India's ally Japan has deployed a special weapon to bolster its maritime security. This decision comes amid rising tensions with China. To recall, during the Fuji Firepower Exercise held in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan showcased the Type 12 (12SSM) Coastal Defense Missile System. It marks a significant step in enhancing Japan's counterstrike capabilities in response to maritime threats posed by China. Type 12 (12SSM) Coastal Defense Missile System is Japan's long-range coastal defense missile launcher vehicle. The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) publicly displayed this new long-range coastal defense missile launcher vehicle for the first time. This missile system is a land-based weapon platform designed to detect, track, and destroy enemy warships. It has a range of up to 1,000 kilometers. Here are some of the key features of the system: Japan's Type 12 or 12SSM system is a next-generation coastal defense missile system It is specifically designed to target enemy warships entering Japanese territorial waters. Its range has been significantly extended to 1,000 kilometers, making it highly lethal. Such missile defense systems are deployed along coastlines and on islands. They can strike naval targets at long distances without relying on warships or aircraft. Coastal defense missiles are a key component of Anti-Access/Area-Denial (A2/AD) strategies. The systems are equipped with modern sensors, long-range precision-guided missiles, and mobile launch vehicles These systems are designed to protect maritime sovereignty, control strategic sea routes, and support joint maritime operations. China's Challenges Will Increase It is important to note that Japan's missile system features a secretive design that reduces its radar signature. This feature makes it difficult to detect and intercept. It is built on a high-mobility 8×8 chassis, which functions as a Transporter-Erector-Launcher (TEL). The platform includes a canisterized launcher with eight rectangular launch tubes arranged in two rows, enhancing its operational readiness and stealth capabilities.
Asahi Shimbun
5 days ago
- Asahi Shimbun
GSDF showcases launch vehicle for long-range Type 12 missile
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.
The Mainichi
5 days ago
- General
- The Mainichi
In Photos: Japan GSDF holds major live-fire drills at foot of Mt. Fuji
A Type 10 battle tank fires during the annual Fuji Firepower Exercise at the Ground Self-Defense Force's Higashi-Fuji Maneuver Area in Shizuoka Prefecture, June 8, 2025. (Mainichi/Natsuki Nishi)
The Mainichi
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Mainichi
Japan GSDF livestreams popular live-fire exercise at foot of Mt. Fuji
The Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) on June 8 conducted one of Japan's largest live-fire training exercises in Shizuoka Prefecture, which was also livestreamed. Around 2,000 people participated in the annual Fuji Firepower Exercise held within the GSDF's Higashi-Fuji Maneuver Area near Mount Fuji. The scenario involved intercepting enemies invading island areas, with China's maritime expansion in mind. The Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, specializing in remote island defense, practiced maneuvers such as the deployment of V-22 Osprey vertical takeoff and landing transport aircraft. The exercises are held annually to educate people about the realities of firepower combat. The GSDF said that this year it aimed for a program that was more impactful, with a sense of speed. The event was streamed online for the first time in two years. Around 76.6 metric tons of ammunition was used in the exercises -- exceeding the amount used last year, and valued at some 870 million yen (approx. $6 million). Artillery, including about 50 tanks and armored vehicles and some 60 cannons, repeatedly fired toward the foot of Mount Fuji. Some components of long-range missiles under development, which aim to strike enemy missile-firing locations in emergency situations, were also revealed for the first time. The apparent aim is to domestically and internationally publicize Japan's enhanced ability to hit enemy bases in such situations. The once-popular public viewing of the exercise has been canceled since fiscal 2023, but amid difficulties in hiring defense force members, the GSDF is increasing the number of invitations for people such as defense force applicants and their guardians to see the exercise each year.
