For the second time in Australia, the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) has conducted a live fire demonstration of Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missile (SSM) off the Australian east coast.
Taking place at the Beecroft Weapons Range at Jervis Bay as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, the live-fire surface engagement activity involved a JGSDF truck-mounted Coastal Defence Battery firing three Type 12 SSM.
All successfully struck an unmanned floating maritime target dozens of nautical miles away within in the Eastern Australian Exercise Area.
The missile launch serials builds on the success of a similar live-fire surface engagement activities conducted during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023, with the JGSDF returning to Beecroft Weapons Range two years later to complete more complex missions, with more munitions, and with new capabilities that include the Network Electronic Warfare System.
For the first time, members of the Australian Defence Force integrated into the Japanese targeting system to ensure two missiles, fired from a single launcher and following separate flight paths, achieved a simultaneous time on target out at sea.
"Looking at the current state of the world, we can see the security environment is both complex and serious. It is not possible for us or any country to establish peace and stability unilaterally."
Adding complexity to the training serials with partner nations such as Australia has been of true value for the JGSDF elements participating in Exercise Talisman Sabre, says Colonel Youhei Ito, Commander 7th SSM, 2nd Artillery Brigade, JGSDF.
"Our unit participated in Talisman Sabre with two main objectives: first, our regiment conducted a live fire [of the Type 12 SSM] for the first time, and we were able to use the exercise to enhance our knowledge and experience."
"Secondly, by completing our mission through co-operation with many people from the ADF, especially the Royal Australian Navy and units at HMAS Albatross, we were able to learn a great deal," he said.
For ADF Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones, the JGSDF live-fire surface engagement activity at Beecroft Weapons Range is an impressive demonstration of Australia's military partnership with Japan.
"Close to home for me has been our partnership with the Japanese Joint Operations Command… It reflects the esteem in which the ADF and our Joint Operations Command is held in Japan, and it is why we are seeing a contribution like we have seen today," Vice Admiral Jones explained.
"Having 120 members of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force here at Beecroft in support of this firing is a reflection of that."
Now in its eleventh iteration, Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 provides an opportunity to exercise combined capabilities with partner nations to conduct high-end, multi-domain warfare, to build and affirm military-to-military ties and interoperability, and to strengthen strategic partnerships.
For Colonel Ito and his soldiers of the 7th SSM, training like this comes at a critical time.
"Looking at the current state of the world, we can see the security environment is both complex and serious. It is not possible for us or any country to establish peace and stability unilaterally."
"In line with this, [exercises like Talisman Sabre] will become more important in how we co-operate with allies and partners to achieve our mission."
More than 40,000 military personnel from 19 nations are participating in Exercise Talisman Sabre across Australia and Papua New Guinea. The exercise runs from July 13 to August 4.
