Japan Defence Forum

[Transhumanist]

US approves sale of submarine-launched Harpoon Block II to Japan



The US Department of State has approved the possible sale of UGM-84L Harpoon Block II submarine-launched missiles to Japan.

An artist's rendering of a Boeing Harpoon Block II missile. The US government has approved the possible sale of UGM-84L submarine-launched Block II missiles to Japan. (The Boeing Company)

The announcement was made on 13 May by the Defense Security Co-operation Agency (DSCA), which said the approval covered the sale of the missiles and associated equipment, parts, training, and logistics support. The deal is estimated to be worth USD199 million.

The government of Japan has requested 48 UGM-84L Block II missiles to supplement its existing Harpoon missile capability, the DSCA said.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) currently deploys UGM-84C and RGM-84C Harpoon missiles across its submarine and surface forces.



US approves sale of submarine-launched Harpoon Block II to Japan - IHS Jane's 360



@Indus Falcon @Transhumanist @SvenSvensonov @AMDR @F-22Raptor

Japan really should be exploring new missiles, and as it so happens, Kongsberg has developed a submarine-launched version of its Naval Strike Missile - a Harpoon replacement (or in Norway's case, a replacement for Penguin):

Goodbye KNM Trondheim!

Naval Strike Missile

Specifications
Weight 410 kg (900 lb)
Length 3.95 m (13.0 ft)
Warhead 125 kg (276 lb) HE blast-fragmentation
Detonation mechanism Programmable fuze
Engine Solid fuel rocket booster,Microturbo TRI-40 turbojet
Operational range
NSM 185 km (115 mi; 100 nmi)+
JSM 290 km (180 mi; 160 nmi)+
Flight altitude Sea skimming
Speed High subsonic
Guidance system Inertial, GPS, terrain-reference navigation, imaging infrared homing, target database


Versus Harpoon Block II (AGM-84L):


Power plant: Teledyne CAE J402 turbojet, 660 lb (300 kg)-force (2.9 kN) thrust, and a solid-propellant booster for surface and submarine launches
Length: Surface and submarine-launched: 4.6 metres (15 ft)
Weight: Submarine or ship launched from box or canister launcher: 628 kilograms (1,385 lb)
Diameter: 340 millimetres (13 in)
Wing span: 914 millimetres (36.0 in)
Maximum altitude: 910 metres (2,990 ft) with booster fins and wings
Range: Over-the-horizon (approx 50 nautical miles)
RGM/AGM-84L (Block 2): 278 km (150 nmi)
Speed: High subsonic, around 850 km/h (460 knots, 240 m/s, or 530 mph)
Guidance: Sea-skimming cruise monitored by radar altimeter, active radar terminal homing
Warhead: 221 kilograms (487 lb), penetration high-explosive blast

That the US is exploring and testing the NSM should be a major vote of confidence as a replacement for Harpoon:

Navy Testing Norwegian Naval Strike Missile on LCS

Naval Strike Missile (NSM)

 

[Aepsilons]

Japan really should be exploring new missiles, and as it so happens, Kongsberg has developed a submarine-launched version of its Naval Strike Missile - a Harpoon replacement (or in Norway's case, a replacement for Penguin):

Goodbye KNM Trondheim!

Naval Strike Missile

Specifications
Weight 410 kg (900 lb)
Length 3.95 m (13.0 ft)
Warhead 125 kg (276 lb) HE blast-fragmentation
Detonation mechanism Programmable fuze
Engine Solid fuel rocket booster,Microturbo TRI-40 turbojet
Operational range
NSM 185 km (115 mi; 100 nmi)+
JSM 290 km (180 mi; 160 nmi)+
Flight altitude Sea skimming
Speed High subsonic
Guidance system Inertial, GPS, terrain-reference navigation, imaging infrared homing, target database


Versus Harpoon Block II (AGM-84L):


Power plant: Teledyne CAE J402 turbojet, 660 lb (300 kg)-force (2.9 kN) thrust, and a solid-propellant booster for surface and submarine launches
Length: Surface and submarine-launched: 4.6 metres (15 ft)
Weight: Submarine or ship launched from box or canister launcher: 628 kilograms (1,385 lb)
Diameter: 340 millimetres (13 in)
Wing span: 914 millimetres (36.0 in)
Maximum altitude: 910 metres (2,990 ft) with booster fins and wings
Range: Over-the-horizon (approx 50 nautical miles)
RGM/AGM-84L (Block 2): 278 km (150 nmi)
Speed: High subsonic, around 850 km/h (460 knots, 240 m/s, or 530 mph)
Guidance: Sea-skimming cruise monitored by radar altimeter, active radar terminal homing
Warhead: 221 kilograms (487 lb), penetration high-explosive blast

That the US is exploring and testing the NSM should be a major vote of confidence as a replacement for Harpoon:

Navy Testing Norwegian Naval Strike Missile on LCS

Naval Strike Missile (NSM)

Impressive , indeed. The JMSDF needs to consider this as well, my friend.

 

[Aepsilons]

Update: JMSDF proceeding for request to purchase Tomahawks for surface combat ships.

The process has been going for some time now since 2013, but looks like its proceeding positively.

What does this mean? Japan's Destroyer Fleet will be armed with Tomahawks.

Japan, U.S. Eye Offensive Military Weapons For Tokyo

 

[Transhumanist]

Future BMD capability (from September, 2014)?

Report: Japan Interested in Aegis Ashore for Ballistic Missile Defense

The Japanese Defense Ministry is interested in acquiring Lockheed Martin’s Aegis Ashore ballistic missile defense (BMD) battery, according to an August report from the Japanese newspaper, Mainichi Shimbun.

The paper reported the Defense Ministry is expected to spend “tens of millions of yen” as part of the Fiscal Year 2015 state budget for research into Aegis Ashore — which combines the Lockheed Martin SPY-1D radar with a battery of Raytheon Standard Missile-3 missiles.

“The ministry intends to introduce new ground-based SM-3 missiles, in addition to the sea-based SM-3s that the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) already possesses, to enhance Tokyo’s readiness to intercept ballistic missiles heading toward Japan,” according to the report.

When contacted by USNI News, representatives of Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) did not elaborate on the Mainichi story.

The only MDA effort ongoing in Japan is the installation of a Raytheon Army Navy/Transportable Radar Surveillance (AN/TPY-2) BMD radar, an MDA spokesman told USNI News on Friday.



Currently, Japan uses a combination of four Kongo-class Aegis-equipped guided missile destroyers armed with SM-3s for longer-range ballistic missile threats and Lockheed Martin Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) mobile ground based interceptors for missiles closer to their targets.

“There are concerns that PAC3s could not respond if a massive number of ballistic missiles were to be simultaneously launched toward Japan,” read the Mainichi report.

Japan intends to double the amount of BMD destroyers to eight by 2018, according to local press reports.

The Kongos ships use a legacy Aegis BMD configuration that do not allow the Aegis combat system to operate as BMD defense platforms and as anti-air warfare ships simultaneously.
Japan is also exploring upgrading at least some of its ships to a more advanced Baseline 9 configuration that would allow the ships to simultaneously act as a BMD and AAW platform.

Aegis Ashore operates with a version of Baseline 9 that doesn’t include an AAW component, but given the similarities of the ground based system and the Aegis combat system onboard U.S. and Japanese ships, those capabilities could expand.

“This is the Aegis weapon from a ship. It can do AAW, terminal defense and mid-course intercept,” Navy Capt. Jeff Weston, the Aegis Ashore program manager for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) said last year during a USNI News interview at Lockheed Martin’s Aegis testing facility in Moorestown, N.J.

At the time, Weston said an U.S. Aegis Ashore battery would only concentrate on BMD. “We’re not going to do anti-air warfare in someone else’s country,” he said.

Test facility:

However, a Japanese run installation could expand the missile offerings beyond the BMD optimized SM-3s.

Depending on the configuration of the Aegis Ashore installation, the site could conceivably be expanded to include other AAW capabilities that would allow the site to handle multiple air threats in addition to a BMD mission.

Report: Japan Interested in Aegis Ashore for Ballistic Missile Defense - USNI News

 

[Aepsilons]

Some Pictures of UGM-84L Harpoon Block II ---- soon to be joining the JMSDF Sub Fleet.

Why...Hello There!

 

[Indus Falcon]

Japan selects Northrop's Global Hawk and E-2D Advanced Hawkeye for ISR missions
20 January 2015

The Japanese Ministry of Defence (MoD) has selected two Northrop Grumman-built aircraft systems to enhance the country's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.

The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft and the RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned aircraft system (UAS) were chosen under a process known as type selection, which identifies the capabilities and systems to be purchased to address specific defence requirements.

Following this selection, the US Government will be asked to enter into the foreign military sale (FMS) process for the two systems.

"RQ-4 Global Hawk is a high-altitude, long-endurance UAS, designed to provide field commanders with high-resolution, near real-time imagery of large geographic areas."
Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems international vice-president Mary Petryszyn said: "Northrop Grumman has a long history working with Japan's Air Self-Defense Force and we look forward to continuing that relationship for many years to come.

"We are very pleased the Japan MoD has expressed confidence in these systems and look forward to working with our US military customers through the FMS process."

Both the MoD and the company withheld further details citing contract terms, timing and quantities of aircraft, which are yet to be determined.

However, Kyodo News reported last year that Japan intends to purchase three Global Hawk drones in April, with the Air Self-Defense Force's base in Misawa as a strong candidate for their host.

RQ-4 Global Hawk is a high-altitude, long-endurance UAS, designed to provide field commanders with high-resolution, near real-time imagery of large geographic areas in support of military, humanitarian and environmental missions.

Capable of carrying a range of ISR sensor payloads, the drone enables commanders to detect moving or stationary targets on the ground, while providing airborne communications and information sharing capabilities to military units in harsh environments.

Powered by two T56-A-427A engines, the E-2D Hawkeye is an all-weather, carrier-capable tactical airborne early warning aircraft, featuring a new radar, theatre missile defence capabilities, multi-sensor integration and a tactical glass cockpit.

Japan selects Northrop's Global Hawk and E-2D Advanced Hawkeye for ISR missions - Airforce Technology

 

[Transhumanist]

Japan Would Attack North Korea To Defend US After Missile Attack, Defense Minister Says:

Japan would retaliate against North Korea if Pyongyang launched a missile attack on the United States, Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said. Nakatani said Sunday Japan would defend the U.S. because a North Korea missile attack would likely result in serious damage.

Nakatani's remarks were expected to provoke a strong response from North Korea. They came as Washington and Tokyo have revised their defense guidelines to allow Japan to expand its role globally to help U.S. forces in military crises.

South Korea defense observers called Nakatani's vow to avenge the U.S. rare. "South Korea, the U.S. and Japan are supposed to share information on Pyongyang's possible missile launches under their trilateral arrangement for military intelligence," one South Korean defense leader told the Korea Times. "Japan needs to seek prior approval before launching an attack against Pyongyang as such an attack would have a great impact on the Korean Peninsula."

Japan has long had a difficult relationship with Kim Jon Un's North Korea. "Since the succession of Kim Jong-un, Tokyo has put greater emphasis on ensuring it is prepared militarily for a more unpredictable North Korea, and strengthened its support for UN Security Council sanctions on North Korean proliferation," the Council on Foreign Relations has noted.

In March, Japan said it would extend sanctions against North Korea for two more years amid stalled talks to recover abducted Japanese nationals. The nationals were kidnapped by Pyongyang in the 1970s and 1980s to train spies in Japan's language and culture, the BBC reported. The sanctions include remittance and travel bans. North Korean ships are also not allowed entry into Japanese ports.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry urged China to impose new sanctions against North Korea Monday over its nuclear weapons program. “To date, to this moment, particularly with recent provocations, it is clear the DPRK [Democratic People’s Republic of Korea] is not even close to meeting that standard,” Kerry told a joint news conference with the South Korean foreign minister, Yun Byung-se. “Instead it continues to pursue nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.”

From Japan Would Attack North Korea To Defend US After Missile Attack, Defense Minister Says

 

[Aepsilons]

Don't worry Korea. We will never, ever abandon you. Ever.

South Korea defense observers called Nakatani's vow to avenge the U.S. rare. "South Korea, the U.S. and Japan are supposed to share information on Pyongyang's possible missile launches under their trilateral arrangement for military intelligence," one South Korean defense leader told the Korea Times. "Japan needs to seek prior approval before launching an attack against Pyongyang as such an attack would have a great impact on the Korean Peninsula."

 

[Aepsilons]

@Indus Falcon !! Great Job on this Epic Thread, my brother. Japanese Office of Naval Intelligence would be so proud of you. Well, its not like they already are. LOL!

Anyways, i'm glad also that this thread became stickified.

Japan selects Northrop's Global Hawk and E-2D Advanced Hawkeye for ISR missions
20 January 2015

The Japanese Ministry of Defence (MoD) has selected two Northrop Grumman-built aircraft systems to enhance the country's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.

The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft and the RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned aircraft system (UAS) were chosen under a process known as type selection, which identifies the capabilities and systems to be purchased to address specific defence requirements.

Following this selection, the US Government will be asked to enter into the foreign military sale (FMS) process for the two systems.

"RQ-4 Global Hawk is a high-altitude, long-endurance UAS, designed to provide field commanders with high-resolution, near real-time imagery of large geographic areas."
Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems international vice-president Mary Petryszyn said: "Northrop Grumman has a long history working with Japan's Air Self-Defense Force and we look forward to continuing that relationship for many years to come.

"We are very pleased the Japan MoD has expressed confidence in these systems and look forward to working with our US military customers through the FMS process."

Both the MoD and the company withheld further details citing contract terms, timing and quantities of aircraft, which are yet to be determined.

However, Kyodo News reported last year that Japan intends to purchase three Global Hawk drones in April, with the Air Self-Defense Force's base in Misawa as a strong candidate for their host.

RQ-4 Global Hawk is a high-altitude, long-endurance UAS, designed to provide field commanders with high-resolution, near real-time imagery of large geographic areas in support of military, humanitarian and environmental missions.

Capable of carrying a range of ISR sensor payloads, the drone enables commanders to detect moving or stationary targets on the ground, while providing airborne communications and information sharing capabilities to military units in harsh environments.

Powered by two T56-A-427A engines, the E-2D Hawkeye is an all-weather, carrier-capable tactical airborne early warning aircraft, featuring a new radar, theatre missile defence capabilities, multi-sensor integration and a tactical glass cockpit.

Japan selects Northrop's Global Hawk and E-2D Advanced Hawkeye for ISR missions - Airforce Technology

Btw, Bro the E2Ds we're getting will be augmented with the recent purchase of more AGM-84s as well as the UGM-84Ls for the newly inducted Soryu Class.


Japan to purchase UGM-84L Harpoon Block II missiles from US - Naval Technology

The E2Ds will be armed with these babies...

 

[SvenSvensonov]

Kawasaki XP-1 Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Japan

Kawasaki XP-1 (previously known as P-X) is a maritime patrol aircraft being developed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries for the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF). It is intended to replace the P-3C maritime patrol aircraft operated by the JMSDF.

The first prototype aircraft of XP-1 was rolled out from Kawasaki Gifu Work's South Plant in July 2007. The aircraft completed its maiden flight in September 2007.

The Ministry of Defence received the first test aircraft in August 2008. Kawasaki delivered four XP-1 maritime patrol test aircraft to the Ministry of Defence by March 2010. The Japanese defence ministry found tears in several parts of the test aircraft during ground testing in August 2011. The fuel tank and central part of the fuselage were reinforced after repairs.

Details of the Maritime Patrol Aircraft (P-X) and Cargo Aircraft (C-X) programme

The Japanese Ministry of Defence began the development of XP-1 along with the C-X transport aircraft in 2001 to replace the ageing P-3C fleet. It is the first indigenous development programme covering the development of two large aircraft under a single project. In November 2001, Kawasaki was selected as a prime contractor to develop these aircraft along with other equipment manufacturers and suppliers.

The XP-1 and XC-2 use many common structural components and equipment. The airframe, engines and the patrol systems are developed indigenously. The project also employed combined-off-the-shelf (COTS) products to achieve cost reduction in development and production. The XC-2 and XP-1 are being built concurrently to reduce production costs.

XP-1 design and avionics

The forward fuselages and horizontal tails are of a robust, lightweight and cost-effective composite material made from carbon fibres. The wing-body fairings for the P-X are supplied by NIPPI Corporation. The fairings reduce drag by overlaying the joint between the main wing and fuselage. The aircraft carries up to 13 crew members.

XP-1 has a length of 38m, wingspan of 35.4m and a tail height of 12.1m. The maximum take-off weight of the aircraft is 79.7t. The latest technologies provide the XP-1 with higher speed, greater range and useful load than the P-3C aircraft.

The aircraft incorporates the fly-by-light (FBL) system which offers increased resistance to high electromagnetic interference (EMI). The FBL system uses fibre optics to transfer flight control commands at higher speeds.

Weapon systems

The external pylons of the XP-1 can carry wide range of weapon systems such as anti-ship missiles, air-to-surface missiles, torpedoes, mines, depth charges and bombs. The aircraft can also deploy sonobuoys while conducting anti-submarine warfare missions.

Sensors / radars

The XP-1 is powered by four F7-10 turbofan engines of Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries.
The aircraft is equipped with new acoustics and phased array radar systems with enhanced capabilities for detecting and tracking submarines and small vessels. The sensor suite integrates HPS-106 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA), magnetic anomaly detection (MAD) system and Infrared/Light detection systems. The MAD system ensures the detection of submarines by finding magnetic variances made by a submarine in the Earth's magnetic field.

The P-1 will also be fitted with an artificial intelligence system to support TACCO mission. The advanced onboard combat direction system provides the TACCO operator with the best flight path to attack a submarine. The aircraft can be integrated with radar warning receiver, missile warning system, electronic support measures and countermeasures dispensing systems.

Engines

The high bypass ratio turbofan engine achieves low fuel consumption and low noise levels. The engine has an inlet diameter of about 1.4m and length of about 2.7m. The power plant provides greater flight range and maximum cruise speed to the aircraft.

From Kawasaki XP-1 Maritime Patrol Aircraft - Naval Technology

Btw, Bro the E2Ds we're getting will be augmented with the recent purchase of more AGM-84s as well as the UGM-84Ls for the newly inducted Soryu Class.


[URL='http://www.naval-technology.com/news/newsjapan-to-purchase-ugm-84l-harpoon-block-ii-missiles-from-us-4578068']Japan to purchase UGM-84L Harpoon Block II missiles from US - Naval Technology[/URL]

The E2Ds will be armed with these babies...

[IMG]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/ba/US_Navy_020705-N-5055W-006_RIMPAC_2002.jpg/1024px-US_Navy_020705-N-5055W-006_RIMPAC_2002.jpg[/IMG]

Nice choice.

Perhaps the P-1 could make use of this new toy?

 

[Aepsilons]

Excellent !

Oh Indeed. Indeed. We will purchase more. As you may know, we already have 33 units of Kawasaki P1s, and word from JMSDF reports is that we will maintain a fleet of these at 100 units. We are building 60+ more.

No sub is safe , or for that matter, no ship is safe under the all seeing eye of the JMSDF....

 

[Indus Falcon]

@Indus Falcon !! Great Job on this Epic Thread, my brother. Japanese Office of Naval Intelligence would be so proud of you. Well, its not like they already are. LOL!

Anyways, i'm glad also that this thread became stickified.





Btw, Bro the E2Ds we're getting will be augmented with the recent purchase of more AGM-84s as well as the UGM-84Ls for the newly inducted Soryu Class.


Japan to purchase UGM-84L Harpoon Block II missiles from US - Naval Technology

The E2Ds will be armed with these babies...

Bro I genuinely hoe so, but will the E-2C's be upgraded to E-2D specs?

 

[Transhumanist]

Japan Plans To Deploy Missiles To Strategic Island Near Taiwan

Reports state that Japan is looking to further militarize Ishigaki-Jima with both surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles. Ishigaki Island is just 100 miles east of Taiwan and about 100 miles south of the highly disputed Senkaku Islands, putting it in a volatile yet strategic geographic position.

Such a move will surely infuriate China who is in a near violent stalemate over their claims on the Senkaku Islands, as well as projecting their power out into East China Sea as of late. In fact, Japan’s potential arming of its most westerly islands with such weaponry takes a play right out of China’s strategy book as of late and sets up an area denial/anti access scenario for Chinese expeditionary power to overcome should the chilly relations between the countries burst into flames.

Japan has various types of surface-to-air systems, including the American MIM-104 Patriot, both in the guise of the PAC-2 and ballistic missile swatting PAC-3 configuration. While the PAC-3 could protect the islands from Chinese ballistic missiles, the PAC-2 can reach out 50 miles to take down air-breathing threats.

When it comes to anti-ship missiles, Japan utilizes the Type 88 (also known as the SSM-1) surface-to-ship missile. The system is built around a truck-mounted transporter erector launcher that packs six missiles each. Each Type 88 packs nearly 500lbs of high explosives and the missile has a range just shy of 100 miles. Similar to the American Harpoon, the Type 88 has been adapted for use by air and sea platforms as well, and although it is definitely aging, it still offers a robust solution for taking out medium and low-tier surface threats well over the horizon.

A total upgrade of the Type 88 missile, known as the Type 12, will be operational within the year. The Type 12 will include an inertial navigation systems with embedded GPS as well as enhanced contour/terrain matching and target discrimination capabilities (probably via an infrared sensor for terminal homing and targeting identification). Like many modern anti-ship missiles, the Type 12 will be a ‘networked’ weapon, where initial and mid-course targeting can be provided by third-party platforms such as maritime patrol aircraft, ships and helicopters.

All of these improvements make this new missile much more effective and versatile, and with an enhanced range of 124 miles, it will put Chinese ships and landing craft making a move on the Senkaku Islands within striking range.

Japan has already installed similar capabilities farther east along the country’s southwestern island chain. Yet this far-forward deployed persistent anti-ship capability, along with air defenses that can defend it, as well as Japan’s throngs of air-t0-surface and ship-to-ship missile capabilities, would give China run for its money were it to make a move on the desolate and tiny Senkaku islands. Both capabilities would also work to protect the closest inhabited Japanese islands to Chinese shores should even a highly limited conflict between the two nations erupt. One between Taiwan and China could also easily spill over into Japan’s nearby territory, which makes the installation of defenses there a logical move.

This all comes as smaller Pacific nations continue to arm themselves more heavily and dig in geopolitically when it comes to their various claims on waterways and landmasses throughout the region. There is no doubt that China’s evolving military capability and more belligerent attitude is changing the balance of power that has existed for the better part of a century throughout the region, Japan’s arming of its southern-most island chain is just another sign of it.

 

[SvenSvensonov]

 

[SvenSvensonov]