During Talisman Sabre 2025, a multinational military exercise held from July 13 to August 4 across Australia, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) made history by conducting its first-ever live-fire launch of the Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missile outside Japanese territory.
The landmark missile launch took place at Beecroft Weapons Range in New South Wales, carried out by the elite 2nd Artillery Brigade of the JGSDF. The operation formed part of a U.S.- and Australia-led joint exercise that involved more than 35,000 troops from 19 countries, showcasing integrated operations across land, air, sea, cyber, and space domains.
Japan’s Long-Range Strike Force Goes Global
Based at Camp Katsuta in Ibaraki Prefecture, the 2nd Artillery Brigade is Japan’s premier coastal and long-range missile unit. Armed with cutting-edge Type 12 missile systems, the brigade is essential to Japan’s anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) strategy in areas like the East China Sea. The unit’s participation in an overseas missile exercise highlights Japan’s evolving defense stance and growing readiness to project force beyond its borders alongside allies.
Type 12: Agile, Accurate, and Lethal
The Type 12 missile system, developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, represents the latest in Japan’s ground-launched anti-ship capabilities. It features inertial navigation enhanced with GPS and mid-course guidance via datalink for high-precision terminal attacks. Originally designed with a 200 km range, upgraded variants can now exceed 400 km. Mounted on high-mobility wheeled launchers, the system can reposition quickly and remain concealed from detection.
With advanced fire control and rapid salvo-launch capability, the Type 12 is tailored for modern distributed coastal defense operations and can saturate enemy naval defenses in seconds.
Strategic Signal: Japan Is Now a Force Projector
This overseas deployment and successful strike validated not only the missile’s performance in unfamiliar terrain but also Japan’s ability to integrate seamlessly into allied battle formations. It marked a significant step in Japan’s transformation from a defense-only posture to one that actively contributes to regional deterrence and coalition operations.
The exercise reflects growing trilateral cooperation among Japan, Australia, and the United States, driven by shared concerns over China’s maritime assertiveness and military expansion. With China’s militarization of contested waters and increasing naval footprint, Japan is stepping up as a forward-leaning defense partner.
By deploying advanced missile forces in Australia, Japan has demonstrated its commitment to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific and sent a powerful message of deterrence. Talisman Sabre 2025 thus served as a pivotal moment in showcasing Japan’s evolving military posture and technological capability.
