Japan is preparing to deploy upgraded Type-12 anti-ship missiles with a range of approximately 1,000 kilometers in Kyushu by the end of March 2026, marking a significant shift in Tokyo’s defense posture and expanding its ability to strike maritime targets at long distances. The deployment will take place at Camp Kengun in Kumamoto Prefecture, according to Japan’s Ministry of Defense, and represents the first time Japan will field missile systems capable of reaching targets deep into surrounding waters, including areas where Chinese naval forces operate.

The enhanced range of the upgraded Type-12 system dramatically expands the operational reach of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces. Originally designed as a coastal defense weapon intended to counter hostile ships approaching Japanese territory, the modernized version incorporates improved propulsion, guidance systems, and targeting capabilities. With its extended range, the missile can now cover vast areas of the East China Sea, providing Japan with new counterstrike options against potential maritime threats.