Type 12 Coastal defense missile system (Japan)
Channel: Main Battle Tank
Date: 2023-01-18

The Type 12 is a Japanese coastal defense missile system. It was designed to replace the previous Type 88 coastal defense missile system. By 2016 a total of 16 Type 12 systems have been produced.

   The Type 12 coastal defense system uses new missiles. These have an active radar homing with a GPS update. The new anti-ship missiles have a range of around 150-200 km.

  A launcher vehicle can carry 6 anti-ship missiles. These are launched in nearly vertical position. The missiles can be launched regardless of target direction. Once the missile is launched it steers itself towards the target.

   The missile follows a pre-programmed course. It has improved terrain tracking ability. It dodges hillsides and flies at an altitude of 5-6 m above the water. Launchers with missiles can be hidden in the mountains and valleys. The previous Type 88 coastal defense missile system could fire its missiles only in open areas with no obstacles. On its terminal stage the SSM-1 uses active radar homing with a GPS update. The seeker has target discrimination capabilities. The missile is networked so initial and mid-course targeting can be provided by other platforms, such as aircraft, helicopters and warships.

   The missile has a high explosive warhead with some degree of armor-piercing capabilities.

   This coastal defense missile system uses an 8x8 heavy high mobility chassis. It is similar to that of the Type 03 air defense missile system. In fact it is a modified Type 02 heavy recovery vehicle chassis, developed by Mitsubishi.

   A Type 12 battery is supported by a mobile radar, based on a Type 73 Kogata light utility vehicle chassis. This mobile radar searches for offshore vessels and provides target information. Battery also includes command post vehicle, based on 6x6 military truck chassis. There is also a reloading vehicle, which carries spare missiles.