Citing government insiders with knowledge of the development, Japanese media reported on Sunday that the missiles could serve as a potent force for preemptive strikes against enemy installations, particularly missile launch sites, thus enhancing Japan's counterstrike capabilities.
It's alleged the Defense Ministry is eyeing a missile variant designed to activate its engine mid-air after being released from the aircraft. The shift would effectively minimize the need for significant aircraft modifications; in fact, the US is presently developing such related technology.
Notably, the plan does not involve the development or procurement of new missiles specifically for the C-2 planes. Instead, potential candidates for adoption include the US-manufactured Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) with a 900-kilometer range, earmarked for introduction to F-15 fighter jets, Sputnik reported.
Additionally, progress is underway on an aircraft-launched iteration of the Type 12 surface-to-ship guided missile, boasting an extended range of 1,000 kilometers.
The proposed strategy, rooted in standoff defense operations, capitalizes on the capability of the Ground Self-Defense Forces' ground launchers, Maritime Self-Defense Forces' destroyers, and Air Self-Defense Forces' fighter jets to target invaders from a safe distance. The C-2 aircraft holds the advantage of carrying more missiles than most fighters while boasting extended airborne endurance.
A budget of ¥3.6 billion has reportedly been allocated in the 2023 fiscal year to support preparatory efforts. The funds are anticipated to facilitate full-scale development following thorough technical research slated to conclude by fiscal 2024.
The initiative aligns with Japan's recently unveiled Defense Buildup Program, which underscores the importance of diversifying launch platforms and entails an investigation into the feasibility of a missile system deployable on transport aircraft. Concurrently, the Defense Ministry has outlined plans for missile development tailored for launch from Maritime Self-Defense Force submarines.
MNA/PR
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