U.S.-Japan Sharp Sword exercise uses Type-25 land-based anti-ship missiles for the first time

The U.S.-Japan Sharp Sword exercise "Type 25 land-based anti-ship missile" was put into use for the first time. (AFP file photo)

Japanese media revealed that Japan will dispatch the Ground Self-Defense Force's long-range missile "Type 25 land-based anti-ship missile" during a large-scale exercise with the United States in October. This will be the first time that the "Type 25 land-based anti-ship missile" has been put into large-scale exercises, but it is not expected to be actually launched.

Kyodo News and the "Asahi Shimbun" reported today that Japan's Ministry of Defense has deployed "Type 25 land-based anti-ship missiles" (Type 12 land-based anti-ship missiles with extended range) at the Kenjun garrison in Kumamoto since March this year. This long-range missile can hit the opponent's attack base, so the deployment of this missile represents the first time that Japan has retained a "counterattack capability" (the ability to attack enemy bases).

The "Type 25 land-based anti-ship missile" is made in Japan. If launched from Kyushu, its range can reach the coast of China and the waters surrounding Taiwan.

The Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. Army will launch the "Keen Sword" exercise held every two years in October to simulate situations such as Japan being attacked by force. Both sides will mobilize tens of thousands of troops to conduct actual military exercises in various parts of Japan and surrounding sea and airspace. This exercise roughly alternates with "Keen Edge", which is mainly based on computer simulation and tabletop deduction.

Sources from the Ministry of Defense revealed that in conjunction with the above-mentioned exercises, coordination is being carried out to deploy the operating troops and launch vehicles of the "Type 25 land-based anti-ship missile" at the Oyanohara exercise ground in Kumamoto Prefecture. The two parties will then share information about attack targets and confirm the launch procedures, but the missiles will not actually be launched.

Kyodo News pointed out that the two sides hope to use this to confirm the Japan-US cooperation necessary for the implementation of long-range missiles into actual combat.

"Asahi Shimbun" interpreted that this move is intended to target China, which continues to expand its armaments. Japan has long pursued a "defense-focused approach" and will now enter a new situation.

The Ministry of Defense is scheduled to display equipment to local residents for the first time on October 3 at the Jianjun garrison. In addition, the Ministry of Defense is also coordinating and holding a briefing session on the "Sharp Sword" exercise. Some Xiong people are worried that the area may become an attack target and have doubts about the deployment of "Type 25 land-based anti-ship missiles".

"Exclusive defense" is Japan's long-standing defense policy. It is based on the principle of defense in the pacifist constitution and does not attack enemy bases; it adopts a passive defense strategy in accordance with the spirit of the constitution. However, special defense has evolved with the times, and successive cabinets have given corresponding definitions.