By Alimat Aliyeva
Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) conducted its
first-ever training exercise with the Type 88 surface-to-ship
missile on Tuesday at the Shizunai anti-aircraft firing range in
Hokkaido, local media reported, Azernews reports,
citing foreign media.
The Type 88 missile, which has a range of around 100 kilometers,
had previously been tested abroad due to its extensive operational
range, Kyodo News reported. This marks a significant shift, as the
missile’s deployment and use within Japan’s borders could set a
precedent for future missile exercises.
Another live-fire test is scheduled before the exercise
concludes on June 29, further refining the missile’s operational
capabilities.
Ahead of the training, protests erupted in the region as
activists voiced concerns that the drills could normalize domestic
missile testing in Japan, which has long adhered to a pacifist
constitution and restrictive defense policies. Critics argue that
such exercises could pave the way for an expanded military role,
which many consider “unacceptable” given Japan’s post-war
commitments to peace.
In addition to the Type 88, the GSDF also operates the newer
Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which is part of Japan’s ongoing
efforts to enhance its defense capabilities amid growing regional
tensions. The Ministry of Defense is currently working on an
advanced version of the Type 12, with an extended range of
approximately 1,000 kilometers, a significant leap that would
greatly increase Japan’s deterrence capability, particularly in the
face of rising threats in the Indo-Pacific region.
This missile development comes as Japan faces increasing
pressure to strengthen its defense posture, especially in light of
the growing military presence of neighboring countries like China
and North Korea. Some experts argue that Japan’s missile
advancements are critical for regional security, while others
remain cautious, fearing that the country might be edging closer to
reinterpreting its pacifist stance.
AloJapan.com