Long-range missile launcher to be put into service in Japan

Long-range missile launcher to be put into service in Japan

Photo taken on March 17, 2026, shows a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force long-range missile launcher at GSDF Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, unveiled to local politicians and the media. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capabilities, will be put into service at the camp on March 31, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

Long-range missile launcher to be put into service in Japan

Long-range missile launcher to be put into service in Japan

Photo taken on March 17, 2026, shows a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force long-range missile launcher at GSDF Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, unveiled to local politicians and the media. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capabilities, will be put into service at the camp on March 31, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

Long-range missile launcher to be put into service in Japan

Long-range missile launcher to be put into service in Japan

Photo taken on March 17, 2026, shows a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force long-range missile launcher at GSDF Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, unveiled to local politicians and the media. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capabilities, will be put into service at the camp on March 31, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

Long-range missile launcher to be put into service in Japan

Long-range missile launcher to be put into service in Japan

Photo taken on March 17, 2026, shows a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force long-range missile launcher at GSDF Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, unveiled to local politicians and the media. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capabilities, will be put into service at the camp on March 31, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

Japan: Residents Protest as Long-Range Missile Launcher Arrives at JGSDF Camp in Kumamoto 2

Early on March 9, the Ministry of Defense delivered a long-range missile launcher to the Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Kengun in Kumamoto for their first domestic deployment. In response to the move, which began without prior notice from the ministry, more than a hundred protesters gathered outside the camp, demanding the withdrawal of the deployment and the holding of a briefing for residents.

Japan: Residents Protest as Long-Range Missiles Launcher Arrives at JGSDF Camp in Kumamoto

Early on March 9, the Ministry of Defense delivered a long-range missiles launcher to the Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Kengun in Kumamoto for their first domestic deployment. In response to the move, which began without prior notice from the ministry, more than a hundred protesters gathered outside the camp, demanding the withdrawal of the deployment and the holding of a briefing for residents.

Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

People protest near Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, on the evening of March 8, 2026, ahead of the scheduled arrival of a GSDF vehicle carrying a long-range missile launcher. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capability, will be deployed at the camp by the end of March, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force vehicle carrying a long-range missile launcher arrives at GSDF Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, in the early hours of March 9, 2026. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capability, will be deployed at the camp by the end of March, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force vehicle carrying a long-range missile launcher arrives at GSDF Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, in the early hours of March 9, 2026. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capability, will be deployed at the camp by the end of March, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

Police officers stand guard near Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, on the evening of March 8, 2026, ahead of the scheduled arrival of a GSDF vehicle carrying a long-range missile launcher. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capability, will be deployed at the camp by the end of March, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force vehicle carrying a long-range missile launcher arrives at GSDF Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, in the early hours of March 9, 2026. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capability, will be deployed at the camp by the end of March, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

Civilians Welcome Syrian Army After SDF Withdraw - Syria

Civilians Welcome Syrian Army After SDF Withdraw - Syria

In Northeast Syria on January 17, 2026, the Syrian Army targets SDF forces with a truck-mounted multiple rocket launcher during a military escalation in the region. Photo by Mohammad Daher/ABACAPRESS.COM

Azov Brigade Using BM-21 Grad - Ukraine

Azov Brigade Using BM-21 Grad - Ukraine

Ukrainian soldiers have pushed back a Russian offensive in the Donetsk region with Corpus National Guard Azov Brigade Artillery Group using Russian trophy BM-21 Grad heavy multiple rocket launcher on Toretsk direction, on August 22, 2025 in Ukraine. Photo by Yevhen Titov/ABACAPRESS.COM Azov Brigade using BM-21 Grad heavy multiple rocket launcher on Toretsk direction, on August 22, 2025 in Ukraine. Photo by Yevhen Titov/ABACAPRESS.COM

Azov Brigade Using BM-21 Grad - Ukraine

Azov Brigade Using BM-21 Grad - Ukraine

Ukrainian soldiers have pushed back a Russian offensive in the Donetsk region with Corpus National Guard Azov Brigade Artillery Group using Russian trophy BM-21 Grad heavy multiple rocket launcher on Toretsk direction, on August 22, 2025 in Ukraine. Photo by Yevhen Titov/ABACAPRESS.COM Azov Brigade using BM-21 Grad heavy multiple rocket launcher on Toretsk direction, on August 22, 2025 in Ukraine. Photo by Yevhen Titov/ABACAPRESS.COM

Ministerial Visit To MaiaSpace ArianeGroup - France

Ministerial Visit To MaiaSpace ArianeGroup - France

Illustration - Launcher during the official visit by the Minister of the Armed Forces and the Minister of Economy to MaiaSpace ArianeGroup company specialized in satellite launchers, on June 13, 2025 in Vernon, France. Photo by Jean-Bernard Vernier/JBV News/ABACAPRESS.COM

Combat work of Ukraines 30th Mechanized Brigade in Donetsk region

Combat work of Ukraines 30th Mechanized Brigade in Donetsk region

Soldiers of the 30th Prince Konstanty Ostrogski Mechanized Brigade operate a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher while on a combat mission in the Donetsk direction, Ukraine, June 3, 2025.(Photo by Viacheslav Madiievskyi/Ukrinform)

Combat work of Ukraines 30th Mechanized Brigade in Donetsk region

Combat work of Ukraines 30th Mechanized Brigade in Donetsk region

Soldiers of the 30th Prince Konstanty Ostrogski Mechanized Brigade fire a missile from a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher at the positions of Russian troops in the Donetsk direction, Ukraine, June 3, 2025. (Photo by Viacheslav Madiievskyi/Ukrinform)

Combat work of Ukraines 30th Mechanized Brigade in Donetsk region

Combat work of Ukraines 30th Mechanized Brigade in Donetsk region

Soldiers of the 30th Prince Konstanty Ostrogski Mechanized Brigade fire a missile from a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher at the positions of Russian troops in the Donetsk direction, Ukraine, June 3, 2025. (Photo by Viacheslav Madiievskyi/Ukrinform)

Combat work of Ukraines 30th Mechanized Brigade in Donetsk region

Combat work of Ukraines 30th Mechanized Brigade in Donetsk region

A soldier of the 30th Prince Konstanty Ostrogski Mechanized Brigade operates a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher while on a combat mission in the Donetsk direction, Ukraine, June 3, 2025. (Photo by Viacheslav Madiievskyi/Ukrinform)

Combat work of Ukraines 30th Mechanized Brigade in Donetsk region

Combat work of Ukraines 30th Mechanized Brigade in Donetsk region

A soldier of the 30th Prince Konstanty Ostrogski Mechanized Brigade mans a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher while on a combat mission in the Donetsk direction, Ukraine, June 3, 2025. (Photo by Viacheslav Madiievskyi/Ukrinform)

Combat work of Ukraines 30th Mechanized Brigade in Donetsk region

Combat work of Ukraines 30th Mechanized Brigade in Donetsk region

A soldier of the 30th Prince Konstanty Ostrogski Mechanized Brigade operates a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher while on a combat mission in the Donetsk direction, Ukraine, June 3, 2025. (Photo by Viacheslav Madiievskyi/Ukrinform)

Combat work of Ukraines 30th Mechanized Brigade in Donetsk region

Combat work of Ukraines 30th Mechanized Brigade in Donetsk region

A soldier of the 30th Prince Konstanty Ostrogski Mechanized Brigade gestures by a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher while on a combat mission in the Donetsk region, Ukraine, June 3, 2025. (Photo by Viacheslav Madiievskyi/Ukrinform)

Combat work of Ukraines 30th Mechanized Brigade in Donetsk region

Combat work of Ukraines 30th Mechanized Brigade in Donetsk region

Soldiers of the 30th Prince Konstanty Ostrogski Mechanized Brigade operate a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher while on a combat mission in the Donetsk direction, Ukraine, June 3, 2025.(Photo by Viacheslav Madiievskyi/Ukrinform)

Combat work of Ukraines 30th Mechanized Brigade in Donetsk region

Combat work of Ukraines 30th Mechanized Brigade in Donetsk region

A soldier of the 30th Prince Konstanty Ostrogski Mechanized Brigade who is part of the crew manning a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher wears a blue and yellow angel on his bulletproof vest while on a combat mission in the Donetsk region, Ukraine, June 3, 2025. (Photo by Viacheslav Madiievskyi/Ukrinform)

Combat work of Ukraines 30th Mechanized Brigade in Donetsk region

Combat work of Ukraines 30th Mechanized Brigade in Donetsk region

A soldier of the 30th Prince Konstanty Ostrogski Mechanized Brigade who is part of the crew manning a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher is on a combat mission in the Donetsk region, Ukraine, June 3, 2025. (Photo by Viacheslav Madiievskyi/Ukrinform)

Combat work of Ukraines 30th Mechanized Brigade in Donetsk region

Combat work of Ukraines 30th Mechanized Brigade in Donetsk region

A soldier of the 30th Prince Konstanty Ostrogski Mechanized Brigade mans a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher while on a combat mission in the Donetsk direction, Ukraine, June 3, 2025. (Photo by Viacheslav Madiievskyi/Ukrinform)

Combat work of Ukraines 30th Mechanized Brigade in Donetsk region

Combat work of Ukraines 30th Mechanized Brigade in Donetsk region

Soldiers of the 30th Prince Konstanty Ostrogski Mechanized Brigade sit in the cabin of a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher while on a combat mission in the Donetsk region, Ukraine, June 3, 2025. (Photo by Viacheslav Madiievskyi/Ukrinform)

Combat work of Ukraines 30th Mechanized Brigade in Donetsk region

Combat work of Ukraines 30th Mechanized Brigade in Donetsk region

Soldiers of the 30th Prince Konstanty Ostrogski Mechanized Brigade remove branches camouflaging a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher while on a combat mission in the Donetsk region, Ukraine, June 3, 2025. (Photo by Viacheslav Madiievskyi/Ukrinform)

Combat work of Ukraines 30th Mechanized Brigade in Donetsk region

Combat work of Ukraines 30th Mechanized Brigade in Donetsk region

A commander of a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher of the 30th Prince Konstanty Ostrogski Mechanized Brigade goes by the call sign "Frantsuz" (Frenchman), Ukraine, June 3, 2025. (Photo by Viacheslav Madiievskyi/Ukrinform)

Combat work of Ukraines 30th Mechanized Brigade in Donetsk region

Combat work of Ukraines 30th Mechanized Brigade in Donetsk region

A soldier of the 30th Prince Konstanty Ostrogski Mechanized Brigade removes branches camouflaging a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher while preparing for a combat mission in the Donetsk direction, Ukraine, June 3, 2025. (Photo by Viacheslav Madiievskyi/Ukrinform)

Combat work of Ukraines 30th Mechanized Brigade in Donetsk region

Combat work of Ukraines 30th Mechanized Brigade in Donetsk region

Soldiers of the 30th Prince Konstanty Ostrogski Mechanized Brigade fire a missile from a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher at the positions of Russian troops in the Donetsk direction, Ukraine, June 3, 2025. (Photo by Viacheslav Madiievskyi/Ukrinform)

Combat work of Ukraines 30th Mechanized Brigade in Donetsk region

Combat work of Ukraines 30th Mechanized Brigade in Donetsk region

Soldiers of the 30th Prince Konstanty Ostrogski Mechanized Brigade operate a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher while on a combat mission in the Donetsk direction, Ukraine, June 3, 2025.(Photo by Viacheslav Madiievskyi/Ukrinform)

Artillery crew of Rifle Battalion special unit on a combat mission

Artillery crew of Rifle Battalion special unit on a combat mission

Soldiers of the artillery crew of the Rifle Battalion special unit of the Main Directorate of the National Police of Ukraine in Zaporizhzhia region perform a combat mission using a portable rocket launcher Partizan in the Zaporizhzhia direction, Ukraine, on May 23, 2025 (Photo by Dmytro Smolienko/Ukrinform)

Artillery crew of Rifle Battalion special unit on a combat mission

Artillery crew of Rifle Battalion special unit on a combat mission

A soldier of the artillery crew of the Rifle Battalion special unit of the Main Directorate of the National Police of Ukraine in Zaporizhzhia region performs a combat mission using a portable rocket launcher Partizan in the Zaporizhzhia direction, Ukraine, on May 23, 2025 (Photo by Dmytro Smolienko/Ukrinform)

Artillery crew of Rifle Battalion special unit on a combat mission

Artillery crew of Rifle Battalion special unit on a combat mission

Soldiers of the artillery crew of the Rifle Battalion special unit of the Main Directorate of the National Police of Ukraine in Zaporizhzhia region perform a combat mission using a portable rocket launcher Partizan in the Zaporizhzhia direction, Ukraine, on May 23, 2025 (Photo by Dmytro Smolienko/Ukrinform)

Artillery crew of Rifle Battalion special unit on a combat mission

Artillery crew of Rifle Battalion special unit on a combat mission

Soldiers of the artillery crew of the Rifle Battalion special unit of the Main Directorate of the National Police of Ukraine in Zaporizhzhia region perform a combat mission using a portable rocket launcher Partizan in the Zaporizhzhia direction, Ukraine, on May 23, 2025 (Photo by Dmytro Smolienko/Ukrinform)

Artillery crew of Rifle Battalion special unit on a combat mission

Artillery crew of Rifle Battalion special unit on a combat mission

A soldier of the artillery crew of the Rifle Battalion special unit of the Main Directorate of the National Police of Ukraine in Zaporizhzhia region performs a combat mission using a portable rocket launcher Partizan in the Zaporizhzhia direction, Ukraine, on May 23, 2025 (Photo by Dmytro Smolienko/Ukrinform)

Artillery crew of Rifle Battalion special unit on a combat mission

Artillery crew of Rifle Battalion special unit on a combat mission

Soldiers of the artillery crew of the Rifle Battalion special unit of the Main Directorate of the National Police of Ukraine in Zaporizhzhia region perform a combat mission using a portable rocket launcher Partizan in the Zaporizhzhia direction, Ukraine, on May 23, 2025 (Photo by Dmytro Smolienko/Ukrinform)

Artillery crew of Rifle Battalion special unit on a combat mission

Artillery crew of Rifle Battalion special unit on a combat mission

Soldiers of the artillery crew of the Rifle Battalion special unit of the Main Directorate of the National Police of Ukraine in Zaporizhzhia region perform a combat mission using a portable rocket launcher Partizan in the Zaporizhzhia direction, Ukraine, on May 23, 2025 (Photo by Dmytro Smolienko/Ukrinform)

Artillery crew of Rifle Battalion special unit on a combat mission

Artillery crew of Rifle Battalion special unit on a combat mission

A soldier of the artillery crew of the Rifle Battalion special unit of the Main Directorate of the National Police of Ukraine in Zaporizhzhia region performs a combat mission using a portable rocket launcher Partizan in the Zaporizhzhia direction, Ukraine, on May 23, 2025 (Photo by Dmytro Smolienko/Ukrinform)

Artillery crew of Rifle Battalion special unit on a combat mission

Artillery crew of Rifle Battalion special unit on a combat mission

A portable rocket launcher Partizan is seen during a combat mission by the soldiers of the artillery crew of the Rifle Battalion special unit of the Main Directorate of the National Police of Ukraine in Zaporizhzhia region, Zaporizhzhia direction, Ukraine, on May 23, 2025 (Photo by Dmytro Smolienko/Ukrinform)

Artillery crew of Rifle Battalion special unit on a combat mission

Artillery crew of Rifle Battalion special unit on a combat mission

A portable rocket launcher Partizan is seen during a combat mission by the soldiers of the artillery crew of the Rifle Battalion special unit of the Main Directorate of the National Police of Ukraine in Zaporizhzhia region, Zaporizhzhia direction, Ukraine, on May 23, 2025 (Photo by Dmytro Smolienko/Ukrinform)

Artillery crew of Rifle Battalion special unit on a combat mission

Artillery crew of Rifle Battalion special unit on a combat mission

A soldier of the artillery crew of the Rifle Battalion special unit of the Main Directorate of the National Police of Ukraine in Zaporizhzhia region performs a combat mission using a portable rocket launcher Partizan in the Zaporizhzhia direction, Ukraine, on May 23, 2025 (Photo by Dmytro Smolienko/Ukrinform)

Artillery crew of Rifle Battalion special unit on a combat mission

Artillery crew of Rifle Battalion special unit on a combat mission

A portable rocket launcher Partizan is seen during a combat mission by the soldiers of the artillery crew of the Rifle Battalion special unit of the Main Directorate of the National Police of Ukraine in Zaporizhzhia region, Zaporizhzhia direction, Ukraine, on May 23, 2025 (Photo by Dmytro Smolienko/Ukrinform)

Artillery crew of Rifle Battalion special unit on a combat mission

Artillery crew of Rifle Battalion special unit on a combat mission

A soldier of the artillery crew of the Rifle Battalion special unit of the Main Directorate of the National Police of Ukraine in Zaporizhzhia region performs a combat mission using a portable rocket launcher Partizan in the Zaporizhzhia direction, Ukraine, on May 23, 2025 (Photo by Dmytro Smolienko/Ukrinform)

Artillery crew of Rifle Battalion special unit on a combat mission

Artillery crew of Rifle Battalion special unit on a combat mission

A soldier of the artillery crew of the Rifle Battalion special unit of the Main Directorate of the National Police of Ukraine in Zaporizhzhia region performs a combat mission using a portable rocket launcher Partizan in the Zaporizhzhia direction, Ukraine, on May 23, 2025 (Photo by Dmytro Smolienko/Ukrinform)

Artillery crew of Rifle Battalion special unit on a combat mission

Artillery crew of Rifle Battalion special unit on a combat mission

Soldiers of the artillery crew of the Rifle Battalion special unit of the Main Directorate of the National Police of Ukraine in Zaporizhzhia region perform a combat mission using a portable rocket launcher Partizan in the Zaporizhzhia direction, Ukraine, on May 23, 2025 (Photo by Dmytro Smolienko/Ukrinform)

Artillery crew of Rifle Battalion special unit on a combat mission

Artillery crew of Rifle Battalion special unit on a combat mission

Soldiers of the artillery crew of the Rifle Battalion special unit of the Main Directorate of the National Police of Ukraine in Zaporizhzhia region perform a combat mission using a portable rocket launcher Partizan in the Zaporizhzhia direction, Ukraine, on May 23, 2025 (Photo by Dmytro Smolienko/Ukrinform)

Artillery crew of Rifle Battalion special unit on a combat mission

Artillery crew of Rifle Battalion special unit on a combat mission

Soldiers of the artillery crew of the Rifle Battalion special unit of the Main Directorate of the National Police of Ukraine in Zaporizhzhia region perform a combat mission using a portable rocket launcher Partizan in the Zaporizhzhia direction, Ukraine, on May 23, 2025 (Photo by Dmytro Smolienko/Ukrinform)

Artillery crew of Rifle Battalion special unit on a combat mission

Artillery crew of Rifle Battalion special unit on a combat mission

A soldier of the artillery crew of the Rifle Battalion special unit of the Main Directorate of the National Police of Ukraine in Zaporizhzhia region performs a combat mission using a portable rocket launcher Partizan in the Zaporizhzhia direction, Ukraine, on May 23, 2025 (Photo by Dmytro Smolienko/Ukrinform)