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Japan Plans to Adopt ASM
navalnews.com • • world
Key Points:
- Japan’s Ministry of Defense plans to begin mass production and procurement of the supersonic ASM-3ER air-launched anti-ship missile in fiscal year 2027, with operational service expected by FY2030.
- The ASM-3ER, developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, features a range of over 400 km, supersonic speeds exceeding Mach 3, and an active/passive radar seeker capable of detecting enemy radar emissions for target engagement.
- Uniquely, the missile will also be adapted for an air-to-air role through software modifications, enabling it to target high-value airborne assets such as enemy AWACS and aerial refueling tankers at long range.
- The ASM-3ER can receive updated target information via satellite and integrate with Japan’s JADGE command-and-control system, allowing engagement of targets detected by other platforms beyond the launch aircraft’s radar range.
- The missile will be carried by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s F-2 fighter aircraft, which will also be equipped with longer-range Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missiles, providing a versatile and formidable anti-ship and anti-air capability.
