Japanese forces are set to deploy their state-of-the-art Type 12 Surface-to-Ship missile (SSM) in Australian waters for the first time, as part of the upcoming Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023. The live fire demonstration, scheduled to take place at the Jervis Bay weapons range, marks a significant milestone in the growing military relationship between Japan and Australia. This event also highlights the expanded cooperation between the two nations and the United States, with the aim of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
_firing,_Japan_GSDF.jpg)
防衛省, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gen. Morishita Yasunori, Chief of Staff for Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force, emphasized the importance of Exercise Talisman Sabre in enhancing collaboration and trust between Australia, Japan, and the US. “I believe the SSM firing exercise in conjunction with the Australian Navy will enhance a high level of trust between Australia and Japan,” General Yasunori stated.
The decision to conduct the missile firing exercise in Australian waters reflects Japan’s strategic considerations. A senior defense source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, explained that testing the advanced missiles in Australia’s relatively open space is a logical progression for Japan’s military relationship with its former World War II enemy. By utilizing Australian territory, Japan can avoid the challenges posed by its crowded and contested neighborhood.
The Type 12 SSM will be launched from the Beecroft Weapons Range into the East Australia Exercise Area, located off the coast of Jervis Bay. This live fire demonstration not only showcases Japan’s military capabilities but also demonstrates the deepening partnership between Japan and Australia. Brigadier Damian Hill, the director of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023, emphasized the significance of this event, stating, “This is the first time the JSDF have tested this capability in Australia and is an example of how our partnership continues to grow and deepen.”
Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023, scheduled to run from July 22 until August 3, will be the largest iteration to date. Over 30,000 military personnel from 13 nations, including South Korea, will participate in the multinational military exercise. The exercise will incorporate a wide range of joint war-fighting concepts, including the newly introduced Multi-domain Strike. This concept focuses on the synchronization of kinetic and non-kinetic actions across all joint war-fighting domains, such as land, maritime, air, space, and information and cyber.
For more information, hit the Source below