Japan's ATLA outlines development of Type 12 surface-to-ship missiles

by Parth Shukla

The JSDF is upgrading the Type 12 missile systems into stand-off weapons. (Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force)

Japan is upgrading its Type 12 surface-to-ship missile (SSM) systems to enhance its stand-off defence capabilities.

A spokesperson from Japan's Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) told Janes on 9 February that the Type 12 SSMs are undergoing upgrades under the Ministry of Defense's (MoD's) National Defense Program Guidelines (NDPG) and Medium Term Defense Program (MTDP).

The spokesperson said that the objective of the Type 12 upgrade is a longer firing range. The Type 12 missile system will feature improvements such as increased length and a different shape to achieve that goal. In addition, the launch platform's engine is being upgraded for increased endurance to support longer operations. The spokesperson did not share further details on the Type 12 upgrade programme targets.

Janes previously reported that the MoD planned to extend the missile system's range from an estimated 200 km to 1,000 km, and also enable its launch from ships and aircraft.


Get the full article by
Already a Janes subscriber? Keep reading


Hungarian Air Force A319 VIP jets likely fitted with Bird AeroSystems DIRCM

by Gareth Jennings

The Bird AeroSystems defensive aids installation fitted to an A319 airliner (pictured here) of an undisclosed European operator. (Bird AeroSystems)

Bird AeroSystems has fitted its aircraft defensive aids system (DAS) for an undisclosed European A319 operator, likely the Hungarian Air Force (HuAF).

The Israeli company said on 27 March that its Self Protection Radar Electro-Optic System (SPREOS) directed infrared countermeasure (DIRCM) and Aeroshield Missile Protection System (AMPS) had been fitted to multiple A319 aircraft for an undisclosed customer to protect against surface-to-air missile threats.

“At the core of this project is the SPREOS, a patented DIRCM system for missile approach verification, tracking, and laser jamming,” the company said. “The installation also included Bird's versatile AMPS solution, designed for both military and civilian markets, providing complete protection against ground-to-air threats, including [manportable air-defence system] MANPADS attacks, for helicopters and VVIP aircraft for heads of states. Additionally, the installation of the AeroShield pod solution on the Airbus A319 aircraft was expanded to be installed also for Dassault Falcon 7X aircraft,” it added.


Get the full article by
Already a Janes subscriber? Keep reading


North Macedonia signs helicopter contract with Leonardo

by Igor Bozinovski

Seen here in Italian service, the AW169M will soon be fielded by North Macedonia alongside the AW149 under a deal finalised on 26 March. (Bundesheer Fotos)

North Macedonia finalised its agreement to acquire eight new battlefield lift helicopters from Leonardo on 26 March, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on the same day.

The deal to buy four AW149 and four AW169M helicopters was signed between the North Macedonian Minister of Defence, Slavjanka Petrovska, and the vice-president of Leonardo, Cesare Cacha, in Skopje.

The milestone came weeks after the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia (ARNM) selected the Italian-built helicopters in January to replace Soviet-built airframes operated by the Aviation Brigade of the ARNM.

Deliveries will take place from August 2026 through to the end of 2028. Petrovska initially said the deal was valued at an estimated EUR230 million (USD250.5 million), but this has since risen to EUR249.9 million.

For more information on the Aviation Brigade of the ARNM, please seeNorth Macedonia - Air Force .


Get the full article by
Already a Janes subscriber? Keep reading


Greece to consolidate fighter types under ‘radical' reform of air force

by Gareth Jennings

With many older aircraft coming to the end of their service lives, such as the F-4E Phantom II pictured, the Hellenic Air Force is to consolidate its combat types under plans announced by the country's defence minister. (Janes/Jamie Hunter)

Greece is to retire and sell off many of its older combat aircraft types under a “radical overhaul” of the Hellenic Air Force (HAF) announced by the government on 25 March.

Speaking on national media to mark Greece's Independence Day, Defence Minister Nikos Dendias said that the number of combat aircraft types operated by the HAF is not economically sustainable, and that a consolidation is needed.

“We need to make some very radical changes in the weapons systems [operated by the HAF], … everything needs to change,” Dendias said.

With the HAF now receiving into service upgraded Lockheed Martin F-16V Fighting Falcon jets and new Dassault Rafales, as well as the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) it is expected to shortly sign for, the service will have to sell off several older types.


Get the full article by
Already a Janes subscriber? Keep reading


https://www.janes.com/defence-news/defence/latest/japans-atla-outlines-development-of-type-12-surface-to-ship-missiles

Japan is upgrading its Type 12 surface-to-ship missile (SSM) systems to enhance its stand-off defenc...

Latest Podcasts

AI applications for OSINT in defence

 In this podcast Harry and Sean are joined by Dr Ingvild Bode to look at the application and challenges of AI use in weapons systems.   Dr Ingvild Bode has spent the last year researching this subject for her most recent policy report, Loiteri...

Listen now

Tracking the situation in Israel-Gaza using OSINT

Using OSINT to understand Yemen

Mis and disinformation considerations for OSINT

Review of 2023

Janes Case Studies

Using Janes Intara to build a common intelligence picture: Russian build up on the Ukrainian border

View Case Study

Assessing threats in the South China Sea 

A competitive assessment of the military aircraft market

Identifying an unknown aircraft

Case study: Using Interconnected Intelligence to Monitor Russian Troop Movement

News Categories

Request Consultation

Request a free consultation to discover how Janes can provide you with assured, interconnected open-source intelligence.

Defence Details