IRIA News

Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) conducted the first live-fire demonstration of its Type-12 anti-ship missile off the coast of Australia on July 24, 2023. This is the first time that the Japanese forces tested the capability in Australia.

The live-fire test was part of the Talisman Sabre 2023 multinational military exercise, Australia’s largest bilateral military exercise with United States. Allies including Japan, UK, Canada and New Zealand are also participating.

The missile did not carry a warhead or explosive ordinance and was launched from a truck-mounted system at the Beecroft Weapons Range. Japanese forces fired the missile successfully at a target in the East Australia Exercise Area off the coast of Jervis Bay.

In the face of regional security threats, Japan has been working on improving and upgrading its Type-12 missile system. The new variants of the ground-launched missile systems are upgraded with shipborne capabilities and extended range. Japan signed $3 billion worth of contracts with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for the upgradation of the missile system.

Live-fire test signifies growing Japan and Australia partnership

This was the first time that Japan carried out a live-fire demonstration in a foreign country, except for the tests conducted in the United States, marking a significant milestone in Japan’s increasing defense ties with Australia.

According to the Australian military’s Exercise Director Brig. Damian Hill, “This is Japan’s largest-ever participation in Exercise Talisman Sabre, and further strengthens interoperability between our military forces.” He added that “It is another example of how our valuable partnership continues to grow and deepen.” He added that Australia and Japan are working closely together “to support a secure, resilient and prosperous Indo-Pacific region”.

An Australian first! 👏@JGSDF_pr conducted a live fire demonstration of a Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missile that was launched from a truck-mounted system, marking the first time the #JGSDF tested the capability in Australia. 💪🇦🇺🇯🇵https://t.co/DcVfORAtUc #YourADF #TS23 pic.twitter.com/GlG6bwjECN

— Defence Australia (@DefenceAust) July 25, 2023

The Type-12 anti-ship missile originally had a range of about 200 kilometers. The new variants aim to extend the range to at least 900 kilometers, and eventually to 1,200 kilometers. After successful testing and evaluation, the upgraded variants of the Type-12 missiles are expected to enter service by 2026.

JGSDF Chief of Staff General Morishita Yasunori highlighted the significance of the first Type-12 live-fire exercise by saying that “I believe the SSM (Surface-to-Surface Missile) firing exercise, in conjunction with the Australian Navy, will enhance a high level of trust between Australia and Japan.”

Japan, South Korea conduct joint missile drill for the first time

Live-fire demonstration of the Type-12 missile was one of the several drills that Japanese forces would be involved in during the Talisman Sabre 2023. On July 25, Japan and South Korean forces conducted joint missile launch exercises for the first time on Australian soil.

Japan fired a Type-03 medium-range surface-to-air missile, or Chu-SAM, during a demonstration at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area, while South Korea launched rockets from a K239 Chunmoo rocket artillery system.

Japan’s contingent at the exercise consists of more than 1,500 personnel and three Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) ships, including the JS Izumo, a helicopter carrier that was recently converted into a light aircraft carrier ship. South Korea has brought two large warships, helicopters, howitzers, amphibious vehicles, and 720 personnel to Talisman Sabre.

Brig Hill said that Australia regularly holds military training exercises with Japan and other partners but Exercise Talisman Sabre is a good opportunity to conduct more complex training activities together, like this missile firing.

Talisman Sabre 2023

More than 30,000 military personnel from 13 different countries have gathered in Australia to participate in one of the largest joint military exercises in the region. The drills will take place at several locations across Australia including Queensland, Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and New South Wales. For the first time exercises will also take part around Norfolk Island.

According to the Australian Defense Ministry, forces from the United States, Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Republic of Korea, Tonga, and the United Kingdom will participate in the exercise. Personnel from India, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand are attending the drills as observers.