It is known that Type 12 SSM-ER will be used from ground, sea and air vehicle
The chance that it will be integrated on F-2 is high but also there is patent from Kawasaki for adding this missiles for Kawasaki C-2 which would be dropped from inside
Tbh I would be very surprised if F-2 won’t get it and only C-2 will
https://www.mod.go.jp/j/press/news/2024/12/06b.html
Here is the official press-release. Good things for Japan on the way
So the development will last until FY2027. That mean they will have procure in FY2028 at earliest and receive it in FY2029.
If everything is according to the plan, F-2 is starting to retire at early 30s. The possibility of not integrated F-2 with type 12 SSM-ER is quite high.
With missile range of 1000km, you don’t really need a fighter jet to do the job.
12SSM-ER for F-2
Budged request
FY2024
FY2025
Leaked 12SSM-ER (Air Launch) test missile
＜独自＞空自部隊で開発情報漏洩「12式向上型」か SNS上に画像投稿 防衛省調査 - 産経ニュース
「12式向上型」ミサイル画像か、情報漏洩疑いで10代空士を書類送検 空自岐阜地方警務隊 - 産経ニュース
That image got censored like some other things I’ve seen…
i mean they really look the same shape, just different color.
like what?
Do you have the original picture?
Lost it on a boating accident…
Wait mine has the same colors… i think i should go see a doctor
Mate too late, go check to your local priest or something if i were you… 🫠
A KAWASAKI C-2 TRANSPORT?? zxcasdkh are they going to finally make a maritime patrol variant for it??
No…
It is system similar to Rapid dragon
And Maritime Kawasaki C-2 called P-1)
Understandable since no other BVR missile is currently integrated on the F-35s thanks to the US
Yeah but the potential home built AIM-120s is interesting
There will be future F-35s that can use AIM-260 and Meteor. AAM-4 would be cool, but the latest variants of AIM-120 have superior performance to the AAM-4B. So Japan is probably doing cost-analysis here, since it would take a lot of resources to continue to upgrade AAM-4. AAM-5 on the F-35 would be amazing, though
AAM-4 can’t fit into interior weapon bay of F-35, I think that why they purchasing AIM-120
Weren’t they testing a joint venture with Britain to fit the AAM-4B AESA seeker on the meteor so it could fit in the F-35?
The issue is more so that the AAM-4’s are a wider/thicker missile compared to the AIM-120’s, and that would be why they can’t fit in the bay from my understanding.
The program has ended with no production units planned.
The results of the program gave fruit to japan deciding to make their own successor in development
