Japan has launched a project to develop a new long-range and highly mobile “island defense anti-ship missile.”
Japanese anti-ship missile during a test launch. Photo: JGSDF
As part of its program to strengthen its island defense capabilities and to be ready to respond to any potential external attack, Japan has begun developing its first long-range cruise missile, KHI SSM (SSM-surface-to-ship missile). This information was recently announced by the Japanese Ministry of Defense .
According to a press release from Japan’s Ministry of Defense, the contract for the development of the new KHI SSM was signed earlier this month with Kawasaki Heavy Industries [KHI]. As the press release notes, the research and development period for the missile, which focuses on “basic technologies for a new anti-ship guided missile for island defense,” runs from 2023 to 2027.
The “new SSM” represents one of several new missile projects, including hypersonic missiles, recently announced by the Japanese Ministry of Defense dedicated to “island defense.” It is likely that the new missiles will be deployed on Japan’s southern islands.
The new KHI SSM long-range cruise missile can also be carried on warships, aircraft and land-based launchers, and can also be modified to be launched from submarines.
Depending on the specific version, the “island defense anti-ship missile” will be 6 to 10 meters long, have a range of more than 1,000 kilometers, and can reach subsonic speeds of Mach 0.8. In terms of engine, the KHI missile will be equipped with the new KJ300 jet engine currently being developed by KHI.
The KHI SSM will have a satellite and inertial navigation system [GPS]. In the final stage of its flight, the missile will use infrared and radar guidance systems. According to the manufacturer, this will reduce the risk of interception by enemy air defense countermeasures and significantly increase the effectiveness of hitting the target.
It is worth noting that since 2017, Japan has been pushing to produce its own new cruise and anti-ship missiles with a similar range to the US Tomahawk cruise missile or TLAM. In addition, since April this year, Japan has signed a contract with the US to purchase 400 Tomahawk cruise missiles, which are planned to be equipped on its submarines from 2025 to 2030.
According to Tin Tuc Newspaper
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