Japan to Conduct First Domestic Live-Fire Test of Anti-Ship Missile in Hokkaido

HOKKAIDO, Apr 13 (News On Japan) - The Ground Self-Defense Force is preparing to conduct Japan’s first-ever domestic live-fire test of an anti-ship missile this June, with a site in Hokkaido under consideration for the landmark drill.

According to the GSDF, the exercise will involve the Type 88 surface-to-ship missile, which is designed to launch attacks on naval vessels from land. The test will be carried out by the Northern Army, one of the GSDF’s regional units.

Sources within the GSDF say the Shin-Hidaka-based Shizunai Anti-Aircraft Firing Range has been identified as a candidate site for the drill. The missiles to be used in the exercise will be inert, containing no explosives, and are expected to be launched toward the open sea.

While live-fire training with anti-ship missiles has previously been conducted overseas, this will mark the first time such an exercise is held on Japanese soil.

The GSDF said it aims to "secure domestic training opportunities in light of the increasingly severe security environment in recent years."

Source: HBCニュース　北海道放送

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