The Defense Ministry has announced the deployment of the upgraded Type-12 surface-to-ship guided missile system to Camp Kengun in Kumamoto this month. This system forms a key part of Japan's counterstrike capabilities and can target enemy bases. Local communities express wariness about becoming potential targets for foreign attacks.
On Monday, informed sources reported that the Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) transported launchers and other equipment for sophisticated long-range missiles from Camp Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture to Camp Kengun in Kumamoto. The vehicles departed Camp Fuji on Saturday and arrived at the destination in the early hours of Monday.
The upgraded Type-12 missiles can fly approximately 1,000 kilometers and are stand-off missiles capable of attacking from beyond the range of enemy fire or air defenses. This deployment supports the ministry's efforts to rapidly build counterstrike capabilities amid Japan's deteriorating security environment, including increasing military activities by China.
Meanwhile, local communities hosting the missile systems are increasingly wary of the risk of becoming targets for foreign attacks. Kumamoto Mayor Kazufumi Onishi stated, "It is very regrettable that the ministry did not give us a prior explanation about the missile equipment transportation (to Camp Kengun) and that we came to know the matter from news reports," while expressing some understanding for the planned deployment.
The ministry also plans to deploy the Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile surface-to-surface missile system for remote island defense to Camp Fuji this month.
