Japan activates domestically developed Type 25 stand-off missile systems

Japan's Type 25 Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile has been deployed at JGSDF Camp Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture. (JGSDF)

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) announced on 31 March that it has started operating two newly designated and domestically developed stand-off missile systems as part of Japan's evolving counterstrike capability.

Collectively referred to as Type 25 weapons, the systems comprise the Type 25 Surface-to-Ship Guided Missile (25SSM) and the Type 25 Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile (25HGP). The platforms were previously known as the Type 12 surface-to-ship missile and the Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile respectively, with the JGSDF confirming the change in designations on the same day.

In a statement, the JGSDF said that “in response to the increasingly severe security environment surrounding Japan, the Ground Self-Defense Force is engaged in the development of stand-off defence capabilities”. The service added that the 25SSM and 25HGP deployments will enhance Japan's deterrence and response capabilities.

The 25SSM has been deployed to JGSDF Camp Kengun in Kumamoto Prefecture, while the 25HGP has been stationed at Camp Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture. Camp Kengun is located on Japan's southwestern flank and faces the East China Sea. Camp Fuji, situated near Gotemba city in southwestern Honshu, serves as a major training facility for both the JGSDF and the US Marine Corps.

Japan's Defence Minister Shinjirō Koizumi said in a press conference that the two systems marked “the first deployment of domestically produced stand-off missiles to Self-Defense Force units”. He added that stand-off defence capability is an important initiative for strengthening Japan's deterrence and response posture, as it enables the JSDF to address hostile forces from outside their threat envelope while helping to ensure the safety of personnel.