The Transformation of Japanese Taigei Submarines into High-Tech Strategic Attack Platforms through Missiles.
The Japanese Ministry of Defense has announced the signing of a contract with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to serially produce missiles that will enhance the country’s “long-range defense capability.” Among them stands out a submarine version of the missile, which will be installed on the Taigei-class attack submarines, and an enhanced naval variant of the same model. The agreement, valued at over 27.9 billion yen (about 183 million dollars), includes both the development of the missile launched from torpedo tubes —estimated at 2.9 billion yen— and the mass production of the Type 12 naval launch, with a budget of 25 billion yen. These versions aim to equip Japan with standoff capabilities, allowing the country to attack targets from beyond the range of enemy forces. The ministry emphasized that the initiative is part of its strategy to “strengthen defense against long-range incursions and accelerate the acquisition of national stand-off missiles.”
The Taigei Submarines: Japan’s New Fleet Jewel
The Taigei, whose name means “great whale,” represent the most advanced generation of Japan’s attack submarines. They operate on diesel-electric propulsion and are designed for stealthy operations in deep waters. In March 2025, the Maritime Self-Defense Force commissioned its fourth unit, the JS Raigei (SS 516), in a ceremony held at the Kawasaki Heavy Industries shipyard in [location]. This vessel was assigned to the 1st Submarine Division based in Kure, Hiroshima Prefecture. With a fleet that will soon exceed ten active units, Japan seeks to consolidate its strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific region, a region contested between China, the United States, and their allies.
The Type 12 Missile: More Range, More Stealth, More Power
The Type 12 is the evolution of an anti-ship missile already in service, but with substantial improvements in range and precision. During the 2025 Fuji Firepower exercises, the Defense Ministry revealed that the new version reaches up to 1,200 kilometers, compared to the previous model’s 200 km range. This capability multiplies Japan’s attack range by six and allows a Japanese submarine to hit distant targets without exposing itself for the first time. Additionally, it incorporates advanced stealth features and an enhanced guidance system capable of operating in environments with electronic interference. The land-based version of the Type 12, mounted on an eight-wheeled vehicle, was primarily designed to counter China’s naval activities in the East China Sea. The naval and submarine variants will be ready by 2026, while the air-surface version will enter service in 2028.
A Strategic Shift in the Indo-Pacific Balance
The integration of long-range missiles into the Taigei submarines redefines Japan’s defensive posture, granting it an unprecedented projection capability since the end of World War II. The country, which for decades maintained a strictly reactive defense policy, is now moving towards a more deterrent and technologically autonomous model, supported by its domestic industry. Defense experts point out that this evolution directly responds to [specific events or concerns] and the escalation of regional tensions, [such as disputes over territories]. With this new generation of weaponry, Japan seeks to ensure its security and that of its allies without relying solely on the American umbrella.
Japanese Technology for a New Era of Deterrence
The contract with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is just one part of a broader program that includes [mention of other developments or modernizations]. With the introduction of the new Type 12 missiles, Japan not only extends its offensive reach but also demonstrates its military innovation capacity. In the coming years, the Taigei submarines will evolve from simple attack platforms to strategic projection vectors, consolidating the country as one of the technological leaders in maritime defense in the Indo-Pacific region.
