Japan’s hypersonic ‘ship killer’ missile system can help Philippines deter China threat: analysts
- New missile system could reinforce Manila and Tokyo’s commitment to rules-based order, boost security in South China Sea, observers note
Japan is expected to deploy its hypersonic “ship killer” missile system when it is commissioned next year to deter perceived threats from Beijing in the South China Sea, in a move observers say will help boost security for the Philippines given a recently signed reciprocal deal.
The details of the upgraded Type-12 surface-to-ship missile were revealed in the Japanese defence ministry’s annual white paper published earlier this month.
Japanese media reported earlier the weapon would be able to hit targets as far as 900km (560 miles) away, and the goal was to extend this reach to up to 1,500km.
Observers say the ability will have implications for the Philippines, particularly in areas fronting the South China Sea.
Joshua Espeña, a resident fellow and vice-president of the International Development and Security Cooperation, said Japan’s new missile system would figure under the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between Manila and Tokyo.
“Operationally, Japan seeks to establish its ability to fight against China, or at least project that message, not just in the littoral warfare scenario but in other domains such as the ability to utilise anti-ship missile capabilities in the First Island Chain,” Espeña told This Week in Asia.