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Kawasaki Heavy Industries Plans to Test Its Japanese Tomahawk SSM in 2027.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries is set to conduct a test launch of its new anti-ship missile, referred to as the "New SSM" (Surface-to-Surface Missile), during the 2027 fiscal year. This announcement was confirmed by a company representative on October 17, 2024, at the International Aerospace Exhibition in Tokyo, highlighting ongoing advancements in Japan’s defense capabilities.
JSDF Type 12 anti-ship missile (Picture source: JGSDF)
The new missile is a long-range cruise system designed to strike from a safe distance, outside the range of enemy defense systems. Powered by a compact, fuel-efficient turbofan engine, it features wings for horizontal flight, resembling an aircraft. Due to its similarities in range, shape, and capabilities to the U.S. "Tomahawk" cruise missile, it has been colloquially referred to as the "Japanese Tomahawk." Like its American counterpart, this missile is subsonic, flying at speeds close to the sound barrier.
Alongside Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' missile series, including the 12SSM cruise missile introduced in 2012, Kawasaki Heavy Industries has focused on developing this "New SSM" (also known as the "new surface missile"). According to a representative from the Ministry of Defense’s Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics Agency, this new missile is seen as an improvement over existing models, with an extended range that could reach up to 2,500 kilometers. This capability would enable it to strike strategic targets deep within China from Japan's western regions.
In June 2023, Japan’s Ministry of Defense signed a five-year research contract with Kawasaki Heavy Industries, valued at 339 billion yen ($2.3 billion). The project is officially titled "Study of Prototype Technologies for the New Anti-Ship Missile," with the final test launch planned for fiscal year 2027, marking the conclusion of this research phase.
The missile will be equipped with a turbofan engine specifically developed by Kawasaki, designated as the "KJ300." This engine, measuring 950 millimeters in length and weighing 90 kilograms, provides 365 kgf of thrust through a twin-shaft configuration. The KJ300 has been designed for optimal performance in stand-off missiles while maintaining low fuel consumption, one of the key features presented by Kawasaki at the 2024 aerospace exhibition.
In addition to its long range, Kawasaki emphasizes the missile’s low radar cross-section (RCS), enhanced maneuverability, and battlefield survivability. The missile can also be launched from various platforms, including land vehicles, ships, and aircraft, offering flexible deployment across different branches of the military.
In parallel, the Ministry of Defense has allocated a budget for another cruise missile development program, focusing on a "new precision anti-ship and surface-to-surface missile." This project builds on technological improvements made to the 12SSM and aims to enhance the missile’s long-range and precision strike capabilities. The Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics Agency has confirmed that this missile, expected to become operational from 2027, will enter production and deployment phases concurrently with Kawasaki’s New SSM.
The simultaneous development of these two systems demonstrates Japan’s intent to strengthen its defense capabilities with long-range strike systems, adapted to protect its islands and deter regional threats. By acquiring such weapons, Japan significantly enhances its ability to project long-range firepower, while diversifying its response options against potential aggression in the Indo-Pacific region.