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● TRACKER Updated 12d ago · 14 sources tracked

Japan Plans to Adopt ASM-3ER Anti-Ship Missile for Air-to-Air Role

Japan intends to utilize the ASM-3ER anti-ship missile in an air-to-air capacity as part of a broader military expansion. This move coincides with a record FY2027 defense budget request of $55.6 billion focused on unmanned systems and long-range strike capabilities. The buildup includes the pursuit of AARGM-ER missiles to suppress enemy warship air defenses and the development of Mach 5 hypersonic missiles launched from submarines. These investments aim to counter rising pressure from China in the Pacific.

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  • ✓ Japan has requested a record FY2027 defense budget of $55.6 billion.
  • ✓ The defense budget focus includes drones, AI, and missiles.
  • ✓ Japan is seeking new extended-range missiles.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 14 independent reporting domains (80% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

Japan plans to adapt the ASM-3ER anti-ship missile for an air-to-air role.

Live updates

  1. Japan Plans to Adopt ASM-3ER Anti-Ship Missile for Air-to-Air Role

    Japan intends to utilize the ASM-3ER anti-ship missile in an air-to-air capacity as part of a broader military expansion. This move coincides with a record FY2027 defense budget request of $55.6 billion focused on unmanned systems and long-range strike capabilities. The buildup includes the pursuit of AARGM-ER missiles to suppress enemy warship air defenses and the development of Mach 5 hypersonic missiles launched from submarines. These investments aim to counter rising pressure from China in the Pacific.

    Why it matters

    Japan is shifting its defense posture to prioritize long-range strike and hypersonic capabilities. This strategic pivot responds to perceived threats in the Pacific region. The FY2027 budget serves as a primary vehicle for these technological acquisitions.

    What is confirmed

    • Japan has requested a record FY2027 defense budget of $55.6 billion.
    • The defense budget focus includes drones, AI, and missiles.
    • Japan is seeking new extended-range missiles.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Japan seeks AARGM-ER missiles to suppress enemy warship air defenses.

    What to watch next

    • Approval of the FY2027 defense budget request
    • Official procurement timelines for the ASM-3ER air-to-air adaptation
    Sources used for this update (14)
    1. navalnews.com — Japan’s Record FY2027 Budget Request: Focus on New FFM, ASEV & Submarines
    2. AP News — Japan to beef up its defense with drones, AI and missiles, defense budget plans show
    3. South China Morning Post — Why Japan’s hypersonic and underwater weapon plans might worry China
    4. Bloomberg.com — Japan Seeks Record Defense Budget as Takaichi Plans Buildup
    5. WSJ — Japan Targets Record Defense Spend as China Pressure Grows
    6. Breaking Defense — Japan seeks new extended-range missiles in record $55B defense budget request
    7. USNI News — Japan Budget Requests Record $55.6B for Unmanned, Long Range Strike Capabilities
    8. Yahoo — This missile-armed underwater drone could be quieter and harder to track than a submarine
    9. navalnews.com — Japan Plans to Adopt ASM-3ER Anti-Ship Missile for Air-to-Air Role
    10. Japan Wire by Kyodo News — BREAKING NEWS: BOJ to debate whether to raise interest rates at next policy meeting: Ueda
    11. The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific — Japan’s Record 2027 Defense Budget Request Is Only the Opening Bid
    12. navalnews.com — Japan Seeks AARGM-ER to Suppress Enemy Warship Air Defenses
    confidence 80%
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