Overview
- The defense ministry’s acquisition agency released footage showing the provisional “New SSM” executing barrel-roll maneuvers designed to defeat close-in weapons systems and interceptors.
- A 2025 ministry report cites larger wings and reduced wing loading to improve turning performance during low-altitude flight where shipboard defenses are most threatening.
- Engineers incorporated curved intake ducts and a smooth, edgeless fuselage to cut radar signature, according to official documentation.
- The guidance system integrates multiple sensors with terrain-referencing to maintain stability near the surface and to discriminate targets in complex coastal backgrounds.
- Officials have said its range will exceed the Type 12 anti-ship missile, and the effort is tied to countering Chinese and North Korean threats, including strengthened defenses on Yonaguni.