Japan develops long-range target observation munition to accompany missiles
The JSDF released this image of the developmental target observation munition. (Image: JSDF)
On 2 June, the Japanese MoD concluded a JPY22.1 billion ($158.6 million) contract with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) to develop a target observation guided munition.
Work will occur from FY2023-26, and it will carry a sensor, camera and communication device instead of a warhead.
The Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) is busy introducing the enhanced Type 12 anti-ship missile, a hypersonic glide vehicle, a hypersonic cruise missile, the Tomahawk Block V cruise missile and a submarine-launched missile to increase stand-off defensive capabilities. With the arrival of such long-range weapons, the JSDF needs a means of observing distant targets some 1,000-3,000km
Access this article and other Decisive Edge Newsletter news content with a free basic account
You will also get one free Premium News article each week
Already have an account? Log in
More from Decisive Edge Newsletter
-
Australia’s ‘Top Gun’ exercise in Top End reaches unprecedented scale in face of Chinese military build up
Fast-jet exercise focuses on interoperability and cooperation between allies amid growing regional security concerns in the Asia-Pacific region.
-
Boeing details expansion and improvements for P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft
The P-8 Poseidon multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft, based on the Boeing 737NG airliner, is a replacement for the US Navy's fleet of P-3 Orions. It is also being targeted at other users of ageing P-3 aircraft with several countries, including Australia and New Zealand, taking up the option.
-
Australia awards contracts for UAS platforms
The orders break new ground for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) as they include an order for loitering munitions, the purchase of an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) and the first order for SkyMantis 2 in the region.
-
Israeli Defence Forces aims to make remote-controlled ground systems autonomous
The IDF has turned some of its unmanned M113 APCs into remotely controlled vehicles but it has also been exploring moves towards making the vehicles completely autonomous.
-
Italy picks Rheinmetall and Leonardo for MBT and IFV and gives MGCS a boost
Italy has been looking replace its Ariete MBTs but has gone back and forth between a future European tank, more Leopards, an upgrade of existing vehicles and other options. It now seems to have thrown its hand in with the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS).
-
Sogitec combines Sword, Genius and HORUS for virtual/constructive demonstrator
The French company has integrated its Genius UAS and HORUS helicopter simulators with MASA’s Sword constructive simulation as it aims to achieve operational orders by the end of 2025.