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Japan's Acquisition Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) released for the first time footage showing the XASM-3 supersonic anti-ship missile during a test launch. ATLA is a branch of Japan's MoD created in 2015 to "ensure technological superiority and respond to operational needs smoothly and quickly". Screen capture from the ATLA video showing the XASM-3 launch. It was recently reported that the missile will enter mass production in 2018 and be officially introduced with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), it will then be called ASM-3. According to the Japanese MoD, aerodynamic and captive carry tests on F-2 fighters had been...

Japan's Ministry of Defense (MoD) announced that it will conduct a live fire experiment of the new XASM-3 supersonic anti-ship missile in the Sea of Japan next year. The missile will be tested against a decommissioned Destroyer of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). XASM-3 is currently in development by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and the Japanese MoD to replace the existing ASM-1 and ASM-2 missiles. XASM-3 missile fitted on a Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-2 Fighter The test-firing will be done at a firing range designated “G airspace” close to Komatsu air base. According to the Japanese MoD aerodynamic and...

Japan 'Building Missiles to Counter China's Naval Power' Japan has begun developing a high-speed anti-ship missile in response to China's growing naval power, according to a media report Wednesday. The missile, called XASM-3, is slated for production starting in 2016, the daily Tokyo Shimbun said. The supersonic missile is "almost impossible to shoot down" and "appears to be aimed at thwarting China's rising naval might," the daily said. The XASM-3, which is 6 m long and weighs 900 kg, is small enough to be mounted on fighter jets rather tan bombers. Japan is prohibited from having long-range bombers due to...