{
  "id": 177183,
  "title": "Japan tests long-range Type 12 missile as counterstrike capability against China grows",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/05/japan-tests-long-range-type-12-missile-as-counterstrike-capability",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-05T13:00:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "South China Morning Post",
    "slug": "south-china-morning-post",
    "url": "https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3363052/japan-tests-long-range-type-12-missile-counterstrike-capability-against-china-grows"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Japan has begun flight testing the air-launched variant of its upgraded Type 12 anti-ship missile, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to develop long-range strike capabilities against China. Photographs released on July 30 from Gifu airbase in central Japan show a Mitsubishi F-2B fighter carrying two inert versions of the missile beneath its wings, confirming the first public demonstration of the test. The trial aims to verify aerodynamic characteristics and structural loads before live-fire testing. This development brings Japan closer to deploying an indigenous family of long-range stand-off missiles that can be launched from land, sea, and air. The missile is part of Japan's broader strategy to enhance multi-domain counterstrike capabilities. Ground-launched Type 25 entered service in March, extending the range from 200km to 1,000km. Ship- and air-launched variants are expected to follow within the next fiscal year, with a submarine-launched version in development. Defence expert Yoshihiro Inaba believes the air-launched variant offers platform flexibility, making it harder for Chinese forces to predict strike locations. US-based professor Christopher Hughes argues that the proliferation of Japan's standoff missiles complicates China's freedom of action in the East China Sea. However, Japan analyst Masashi Murano cautions that the missiles are just one element of an effective long-range strike capability, and the country must develop robust networks of sensors and secure communications to track and update targets.",
  "summary": "Japan’s efforts to build a long-range capability to strike Chinese warships reached a milestone last week as flight testing began for the air-launched variant of its upgraded Type 12 anti-ship missile, a weapon with a reported range of about 1,000km (620 miles). Photographs taken by aviation enthusiasts on July 30 at Gifu airbase in central Japan show a Mitsubishi F-2B fighter carrying two inert…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Reuters Business via SCMP",
        "title": "Japan tests long-range Type 12 missile as counterstrike capability against China grows",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/05/japan-tests-long-range-type-12-missile-as-counterstrike-capability-177488",
        "published": "2026-08-05T13:00:10.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}