On June 24, 2025, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) conducted its first domestic firing exercise involving the launch of a Type 88 surface-to-ship missile.
The Northern Army of the JGSDF, based in Hokkaido, launched a Type 88 surface-to-ship missile at the Shizunai Anti-Aircraft Firing Range in the town of Shinhidaka, Hokkaido Prefecture, according to the Ground Staff Office. Developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the truck-mounted Type 88 missile has an operational range of approximately 100 kilometers.
Until now, the JGSDF had relied on expansive training grounds in the United States and Australia to conduct such missile launch drills. The decision to hold this exercise domestically represents a major shift in Japan’s defense posture amid rising regional tensions, particularly due to increased military activities by China and Russia around Japanese territory. The JGSDF aims to establish a permanent domestic missile training capability by the end of fiscal year 2025.
Another Type 88 missile launch is scheduled during the current training period, which runs through June 29.
The Type 88, first deployed in 1988 during the Cold War era, was initially developed with the Soviet Union in mind. Today, however, its primary deterrent focus has shifted toward China, whose maritime assertiveness continues to grow, particularly with a potential Taiwan contingency in mind.
The Shizunai range, adjacent to the JGSDF’s Camp Shizunai, is Japan’s largest restricted water training area, spanning 1,256 square kilometers. The fan-shaped zone, 40 kilometers in radius with a 90-degree central angle, is particularly well suited for surface-to-ship missile drills.
Looking ahead, Tokyo plans to conduct live-fire testing of the more advanced, longer-range Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which is set to replace the Type 88. Future Type 12 drills are also likely to take place at Shizunai.
Additionally, Japan plans to develop a new missile firing range on Minamitori Island, the country’s easternmost territory in the Ogasawara Islands, for training beginning in fiscal year 2026.
“Given the severe security environment of recent years, we are making arrangements to conduct firing training within the country,” Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said at a press conference on April 11. “While there will be range limitations, we aim to ensure more units can train with advanced equipment,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, Russia, Japan’s northern neighbor, has strongly condemned the exercise, calling it “categorically unacceptable.” Diplomatic relations between Tokyo and Moscow have remained frozen since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Tensions persist over the disputed islands known as the Northern Territories in Japan and the Southern Kurils in Russia.
