Japan is developing its own analogue of the Rapid Dragon system to drop JASSM-ER and Type-12 long-range missiles from Kawasaki C-2 military transport aircraft

Last autumn, the US Air Force tested the Rapid Dragon system for dropping AGM-158B JASSM-ER cruise missiles from the MC-130J Commando II aircraft. The Japanese Self-Defence Forces intend to follow the same path.

Here's What We Know

Japan's Ministry of Self-Defence is considering launching long-range missiles from military transport aircraft to launch a counterattack against enemy missile bases. The ministry wants to develop the means to launch the AGM-158B JASSM-ER and Type-12.

The JASSM-ER is originally a U.S.-made air-to-ground missile. It has a maximum launch range of over 900 kilometres. The Type-12 is a Japanese land-based missile for engaging ground targets. The authorities of the Land of the Rising Sun want to adapt it for launching from an aircraft and increase its range to 1,000 kilometres.

While the US Air Force is testing the Rapid Dragon with the MC-130J Commando II, Japan will use the Kawasaki C-2. The Japanese service has 15 military transport aircraft in its armoury and the number will exceed 20 in the future.

In 2023, the country's authorities have allocated about $25 million for the project. The programme will start gaining momentum in the near future.

Source: The Japan Times