Japan tests long-range Type 12 missile as counterstrike capability against China grows

South China Morning PostIndependentCenter6 hr. ago

Japan has begun flight testing the air-launched variant of its upgraded Type 12 anti-ship missile, marking progress in developing long-range standoff capabilities. The missile, with a reported range of approximately 1,000 kilometers, is part of Japan's broader strategy to enhance its multi-domain counterstrike abilities. The test, conducted at Gifu Air Base, aims to validate aerodynamic performance before live-fire trials. This development follows the deployment of the ground-launched Type 25 variant in March, expanding Japan's anti-ship missile range significantly. Experts note that the air-launched version increases operational flexibility, complicating Chinese military predictions about potential strike origins.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual developments regarding Japan's military modernization efforts without overt ideological slant. It reports on technical advancements and strategic implications without taking a clear partisan stance, balancing information about Japan's defense capabilities and their geo-m