Destroyer Onami completes missile firing exercise strengthening Japan’s naval defense.

According to information published by the Japanese MoD on September 17, 2024, the JMSDF has successfully conducted a missile live-fire exercise featuring the RIM-162 Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) aboard the destroyer JS Ōnami (DD-111).
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Japanese Takanami-class destroyer JS Onami. (Picture source: JMSDF)

The Ōnami is a Takanami-class destroyer equipped with sophisticated combat systems designed for anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare. The successful firing of the ESSM indicates effective integration between the ship's Aegis Combat System—or a comparable combat management system—and the missile's guidance and launching mechanisms.

The ESSM is a medium-range, surface-to-air missile developed to counter advanced airborne threats, including high-speed, maneuvering anti-ship missiles and aircraft. Technically, it features a solid-fuel rocket motor, tail control for high agility, and a semi-active radar homing seeker. The missile's guidance system relies on target illumination from the ship's radar.

The vertical launching system (VLS) aboard the Ōnami facilitates rapid missile deployment. The VLS must manage the missile's launch sequences, canister temperatures, and propulsion safety mechanisms.

The use of the ESSM also enhances interoperability with allied naval forces, particularly those of the United States and NATO members who operate the same or compatible systems. This commonality facilitates joint operations and collective security efforts, which are increasingly important in addressing shared threats in the Asia-Pacific region.

China's military modernization includes the development of advanced anti-ship missiles and fifth-generation fighter aircraft.The ESSM's capability to intercept high-speed, maneuvering missiles and aircraft improves the defensive perimeter of Japanese naval vessels, potentially mitigating the effectiveness of China's anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) strategies. In a conflict scenario, the ability to rapidly detect, track, and engage incoming threats is crucial.

China has developed sophisticated anti-ship missiles like the YJ-12 and DF-21D, which pose substantial risks to naval vessels due to their high speed and maneuverability. The ESSM is specifically designed to counter such threats. Its advanced radar-guided homing and high agility allow it to intercept supersonic, maneuvering missiles and aircraft effectively. This capability increases the survivability of Japanese ships by improving their defensive perimeter against incoming attacks.