Tokyo’s first batch of long-range strike missiles capable of reaching ground and maritime targets at extended ranges have been operationally fielded, according to Japan’s defense ministry. The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) announced Monday the deployment of the Type 25 series of missiles. While the missiles share the same designation, their variants are split through surface-to-ship (SSM) and hypervelocity gliding projectile (HGP) classifications. Capable of striking targets over 1,000 kilometers away, basing the Type 25 series anti-ship missiles at the service’s Kengun Western Army base in Kyushu enables Japanese forces to hit maritime targets across the country’s southwestern region, the East China Sea and mainland China. The SSM variant is derived from the domestically-made Type 12.

Full report : Japan Deploys New Longer-Range Missiles, Formally Designates ‘Type 25’ Systems.