Japan proposes air-launched Type 12 missile for F-2 fighters

The Japanese Ministry of Defense (MoD) plans to meet its requirement for air-launched long-range anti-ship missile (LRASM) capability through the development of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missile (SSM) system.

A spokesperson from the MoD told Janes on 12 August that it plans to install a modified version of the Type 12 weapon onto MHI F-2 multirole fighter aircraft operated by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).

This follows an MoD decision – announced early August – to scrap plans to fit Lockheed Martin's AGM-158C LRASM onto the JASDF's Mitsubishi-Boeing F-15J/DJ Eagle fighter as part of a proposed broader upgrade for that aircraft.

The AGM-158C plan was cancelled due to costs. Janes has reported that the development and integration project could have cost up to JPY550 billion (USD5 billion).

Japan plans to develop a long-range, air-launched version of the Type 12 SSM for its F-2 multirole fighter aircraft (pictured). (Japan Air Self-Defense Force)

“Through negotiations with the United States, it became clear that the installation of the [AGM-158C] LRASM onto the F-15 could cost a huge amount in integration costs, as the US has no experience of installing it onto the F-15,” said the Japanese MoD spokesperson.

“[This] could delay the entire schedule of the F-15 upgrade programme [so] we decided to cancel the installation of the LRASM onto the aircraft.”

The spokesperson added, “Instead, stand-off missiles capability against ships is planned to be secured by operating the upgraded Type 12 SSM ... to be installed into various platforms including ships and aircraft.”