Japan is developing new long-range, modular missiles to protect key Pacific waterways, especially the Miyako Strait—a narrow passage between the East China Sea and the Pacific that China’s navy relies on. Seen as a natural chokepoint and vital in any Taiwan-related crisis, the area has pushed Japan to strengthen its island defenses with advanced missile technology.
A New Missile for the East China Sea Built for Flexibility and Long Reach
Japan’s defense agency recently revealed a prototype for a long-range anti-ship missile that looks nothing like older systems. The missile uses a compact frame that reduces its radar visibility and relies on an efficient turbojet engine called the XKJ301-1. This engine lets the missile travel long distances while remaining difficult to track.
Japan also uses an open-architecture design as one of the missile’s key features. Engineers include internal modular bays that let them add or switch payloads depending on the mission. These payloads can include:
- Infrared seekers
- Dual seekers
- Electro-optical/infrared sensors
- Jammer or decoy units
- High-power warheads
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Thanks to its modular design, one missile body can serve as a strike weapon, a reconnaissance tool, or a decoy to confuse enemy radars. This flexibility makes it valuable across the East China Sea, where Japan needs systems that can quickly adapt to shifting threats.
In 2027, Japan will test two upgraded prototypes called Airframe A and Airframe B. These versions will feature better sensors, faster data-links, improved flight controls, and materials that further reduce radar visibility.
While officials have not shared the missile’s exact range, engineers believe it will fly much farther than Japan’s current surface-launched missiles. The project also links to upgrades of the Type 12 missile, whose range is being extended from 200 kilometers to as far as 1,200 kilometers.
Japan is additionally developing hypersonic glide vehicles capable of reaching thousands of kilometers, allowing wider coverage of the East China Sea and the western Pacific.
A Strategic Shield Over the East China Sea and the Miyako Strait
The Miyako Strait is a key passage between the East China Sea and the Pacific, giving China’s navy access to open waters. Because it is only about 250 kilometers wide, Japan can closely watch and potentially block it with modern missiles.
Japan’s missile units in the Ryukyu Islands sit right beside this chokepoint. From there, they can track Chinese ships and, in a conflict, threaten even large carrier groups moving through the area.
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Carrier groups rely on layered defenses, so analysts say a missile swarm would be needed to break through them. Japan’s new modular missiles are built for this purpose. They can share targeting data, change course mid-flight, and keep working during strong electronic interference.
These systems also operate with U.S. missile units in Japan. Together, their long-, mid-, and short-range missiles create overlapping coverage across the East China Sea and the Miyako Strait, making hostile movement more difficult.
Rising Risks and Strategic Pressures in the Pacific
Japan’s missile buildup comes during a time of rising tension in the Asia-Pacific region. China possesses large numbers of medium-range ballistic missiles that can strike across the East China Sea and far beyond. It also has long-range missiles capable of reaching distant territories, which increases pressure on surrounding countries.
Japan believes it must strengthen its ability to protect its islands, shipping routes, and nearby waterways. Long-range and modular missiles offer a way to boost those defenses while reducing total reliance on outside forces.
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However, Japan still faces major challenges. Advanced missile systems cost a great deal to produce, and Japan’s defense-industrial base remains smaller than those of other major powers. Some island communities worry about the risks of hosting new missile sites. There is also concern about depending too heavily on foreign defense support during a conflict.
Even with these challenges, Japan is moving ahead with its next-generation missile program. By building systems designed to defend the East China Sea, the Miyako Strait, and nearby islands, Japan is shaping a powerful new layer of regional security.