Missile Type 12

The Type 12 is a Japanese anti-ship and land-attack cruise missile. Developed as an upgrade to the Type 88 surface-to-ship missile, the system entered service in 2015. In 2020, development was initiated for an improved version intended for launch from ground, naval, and air platforms.

The missile utilizes a high-explosive warhead. Guidance is provided by an inertial navigation system with mid-course GPS updates and terrain contour matching. Terminal homing is conducted via a Ka-band Active Electronic Scanned Array (AESA) radar seeker. The system is networked, allowing initial and mid-course targeting data to be supplied by external platforms. Later variants incorporate a stealthy airframe design to reduce radar cross-section and high mobility features to evade interception. Launch platforms include truck-mounted canisters, surface vessels, and patrol aircraft.

The system is operated by Japan and is widely deployed in ground-based batteries. A standard battery configuration includes fire control systems, radar vehicles, and command-and-control trucks. A ship-launched derivative, designated the Type 17, is in service on Maya-class destroyers. Procurement for an air-launched variant, designated the Type 23, is scheduled to begin in FY2025 for use on maritime patrol aircraft. Improved ground-launched variants are scheduled for deployment starting in FY2025.