Japan is set to deploy its first batch of upgraded Type-12 missiles, as the country accelerates its offensive capability in response to rising challenges in the region.
The upgraded Type-12 land-to-ship missiles will be deployed at Camp Kengun in Japan’s southwestern prefecture of Kumamoto by the end of March, completing the process of deployment, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said without giving details.
The Defense Ministry last year moved up the schedule of the missiles’ deployment by one year as Japan accelerates a military buildup in the southwestern region, as China escalates tension around Taiwan, the self-governing island Beijing claims as its own.
The upgraded Type-12 missile, developed and produced by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, has a range of about 1,000km and can reach mainland China, a significant increase from the original's 200km.
It will be deployed next at Camp Fuji in Shizuoka, west of Tokyo, later this year, AP said.
