The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) has officially established the 8th Anti-Ship Missile Regiment at Yufuin Camp in Yufu City, Oita Prefecture, marking the completion of the government’s planned seven-regiment nationwide deployment. A commemorative ceremony was held on Mar. 30, attended by Vice Minister of Defense Taro Honda, following the unit’s formal activation on Mar. 24.
The new regiment, comprising approximately 300 personnel, operates under the 2nd Artillery Brigade and consists of a headquarters, a headquarters management company, and three anti-ship missile companies. It represents the third such regiment under the JGSDF’s Western Army, joining the existing 5th and 7th Anti-Ship Missile Regiments.
“We recognize our significant responsibility and will devote ourselves to our mission,” stated Col. Daisaku Yamada, the regiment’s commander, after receiving the unit’s new flag from Vice Minister Honda during the ceremony.
The regiment is equipped with both the Type 88 and Type 12 surface-to-ship guided missile systems. The current Type 12 missiles have a range of over 100 kilometers, enabling land-based attacks against approaching naval vessels. Search and targeting radar systems for detecting and identifying maritime targets were also displayed during the ceremony.
With this addition, the 2nd Artillery Brigade at Yufuin has become the JGSDF’s largest specialized long-range firepower unit. Several Type 12 missile launchers displayed during the event appeared to feature redesigned chassis, potentially indicating transitional models toward the planned enhanced version.
The establishment comes as part of Japan’s efforts to strengthen its southwestern defense capabilities amid growing concerns about China’s maritime expansion. The Japanese government plans to deploy an improved version of the Type 12 missile with a range exceeding 1,000 kilometers during the current fiscal year, as part of its strategy to develop “stand-off defense capability” that allows attacks from beyond an enemy’s firing range. Officials are reportedly considering positioning these enhanced systems in Kyushu as well.
This regiment completes the previously announced national deployment strategy, finalizing the seventh such unit in Japan’s missile defense network.
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