- Yes
- No
Type 03 Chū-SAM Kai - JGSDF’s mini Patriot: Part 2
Hi and welcome to my 101st suggestion, which is about the Japanese Type 03 Kai SAM system, hope you like it. 
First of all:
- Feel free to share more Information and / or correct me if something is wrong
- Discuss respectfully, any aggressive kind or verbal abuse will be reported, the Forum rules also apply here
Basic Background
Between 2010 and 2016, the Type 03 system underwent extensive modernization to better counter new threat scenarios such as low-altitude cruise missiles and fast-flying air-to-surface missiles. Particular emphasis was placed on improving performance without significantly increasing acquisition costs. At the same time, the system’s networked combat capabilities were significantly expanded, greatly increasing its effective defense range.
The improved version of the system, designated Type 03 Chū-SAM Kai, features an additional radar for detecting low-flying aircraft, equipped with a modern GaN amplifier. This powerful subsystem enables better detection and tracking of hard-to-detect targets near the ground.
In the 2017 budget, 17.4 billion Yen was allocated for the first time for the procurement of an initial unit of the improved (Kai) variant. After development was completed, the system was officially designated “Type 03 Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Guided Missile (Improved)”.
Starting in 2026, the findings from ongoing further development are to be used to gradually equip the improved version of the Type 03 system with ballistic missile defense capabilities.
The remaining base Type 03 units are scheduled to be retrofitted with the improved Type 03 Kai version, which offers a longer range, ballistic and improved target tracking capabilities - Suggestion linked below.
The Type 03 Chū-SAM Kai Overall
A key feature of the system is the modern, actively electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, which serves as the fire control system. It enables the simultaneous detection and tracking of multiple targets with high accuracy and offers robust resistance to electronic countermeasures (ECCM). The system is fully mobile and highly integrated: both the multi-purpose radar vehicle (MRF) and the launcher vehicle (LAU) are based on the same 8x8 wheeled platform, which ensures logistical advantages and high off-road capability.
The system’s guided missile has a caliber of 280 mm, a length of 4900 mm, and weighs around 460 kg. The missile is equipped with entirely new aerodynamic and control surfaces. It is controlled by an AESA seeker, derived from the AAM-4 air-to-air missile.
The launcher vehicle weights about 23 tons and has a length of approx 11 meters.
Previous Suggestion
https://forum.warthunder.com/t/type-03-chu-sam-sam-4-jgsdfs-mini-patriot-part-1/240760
Thanks for your time, hope you liked it 
[Will add more if there are some (more) important / declassified things]
[PM or comment if a Link or Picture isn´t working]
Sources:
Links
Type 03 surface-to-air missile - NamuWiki
Type 03 – Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance
Type 03 Chu-SAM | Weaponsystems.net
Other:
Type 03 Kai - JMoD