Japan to Build First Missile Range on Minamitori Island for Type 12 Anti-Ship Missile Tests.

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) has announced plans to construct its first missile range on Minamitori Island, located in the northwest Pacific Ocean, approximately 1,800 kilometers from Tokyo. The facility is projected to be operational by 2026.
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Japan plans to build a new missile firing range facility test center on Minamitori Island, located in the northwest Pacific Ocean, approximately 1,800 kilometers from Tokyo  (Picture source: Google)

According to Japanese media sources, the primary purpose of this missile range will be to test and fire the Type 12 anti-ship missiles, which boast an impressive range of up to 1,000 kilometers. This initiative aligns with Tokyo's broader strategic objectives outlined in its National Defense Strategy, which emphasizes the modernization and enhancement of Japan's military forces.

The establishment of the missile range on Minamitori Island underscores Japan's commitment to strengthening its anti-strike missile capabilities. This development comes in response to escalating security threats posed by regional powers, namely China, North Korea, and Russia. By extending the reach and efficacy of its missile systems, Japan aims to fortify its defensive perimeter and ensure greater regional stability.

This strategic initiative is part of a larger trend within Japan's defense policy, which has seen an acceleration in the deployment of advanced military technology. Notably, the deployment timeline for the upgraded Type 12 anti-ship missile has been expedited from its original 2026 deadline to 2025, reflecting Tokyo's urgency in enhancing its military preparedness.

The Japanese Type 12 anti-ship missile, developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, is an advanced surface-to-ship missile system designed to enhance Japan's coastal defense capabilities. Development of the Type 12 began in the early 2000s as an upgrade to the Type 88 missile system, incorporating advanced guidance systems, including GPS and inertial navigation, for precise targeting. It entered service in 2012 and features an extended range of up to 1,000 kilometers. The Type 12 missile is part of Japan's broader effort to modernize its military under the National Defense Strategy, focusing on countering potential threats from regional adversaries such as China, North Korea, and Russia.

Minamitori Island, also known as Marcus Island, is a strategically significant location due to its remote position in the Pacific Ocean. The island's location will provide an expansive and secure environment for missile testing and training exercises, away from densely populated areas. This strategic choice of location highlights Japan's careful planning to ensure both the effectiveness and safety of its defense operations.

The construction of the missile range on Minamitori Island clearly indicates Japan's proactive approach to national security amidst a complex and evolving geopolitical landscape. As the country continues to face challenges from neighboring nations, enhancing its missile capabilities serves as a critical component of its defense strategy.

With the facility expected to become operational after 2026, Japan is poised to take a significant step forward in its defense modernization efforts. Given its implications for regional security dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region, this development is likely to be closely monitored by international observers.

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's plan to build a missile range on Minamitori Island represents a pivotal move in Japan's ongoing efforts to fortify its national defense. As Tokyo accelerates its military modernization under the National Defense Strategy, the island facility will play a crucial role in enhancing Japan's anti-strike missile capabilities, thereby contributing to the country's broader security objectives.

The Type 12 anti-ship missile, developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, is a Japanese surface-to-ship missile with advanced GPS and inertial navigation systems capable of a range of up to 1,000 km. (Picture source Wikimedia)