Japan explores missile launching from cargo planes
Rapid Dragon pictured during a USAF test. (Photo: US DoD)
Japan is considering capabilities to enable launching missiles from cargo planes, to diversify its launch platform options.
The Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) could introduce the Rapid Dragon that the USAF is developing, in a move that would allow the C-2 cargo plane to launch missiles.
The JSDF is introducing stand-off missile capabilities such as the enhanced Type 12 surface-to-ship missile (12SSM), hypersonic glide vehicle, hypersonic cruise missile and Tomahawk Block V cruise missile.
F-2 and F-15J fighters, Aegis destroyers, submarines and Type 12 SSM launchers are used as launch platforms for stand-off missiles.
Adopting a Rapid Dragon-type system could see this
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