Overview
- Japan’s Defense Ministry plans to introduce an upgraded Type‑12 long‑range missile to the JGSDF Kengun garrison in Kumamoto in fiscal 2025 as part of its counterstrike posture.
- The enhanced Type‑12 has an approximate 1,000 kilometer range, placing China’s eastern seaboard and nearly all of North Korea within reach.
- Officials and a former Western Army commander say Kengun was chosen for its existing 5th anti‑ship missile regiment and its operational access to Okinawa as well as northern and southern theaters.
- Local residents have requested explanatory meetings about the deployment, but the central government says there are no plans for briefings at this time.
- North Korea on Dec. 28 conducted a long‑range strategic cruise‑missile drill observed by Kim Jong Un, and China’s Eastern Theater Command on Dec. 29 launched Taiwan‑surrounding exercises that include announced exclusion zones and a live‑fire phase on Dec. 30.