World Military Today (April 1): Japan Completes...

* Japan completes deployment of Type 12 surface-to-ship missiles

Recently, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) officially completed the deployment of the 8th Surface-to-Ship Missile Regiment at Yufuin Garrison in Oita Prefecture, Kyushu.

The unit, part of the 2nd Artillery Brigade, consists of about 300 soldiers and operates Type 88 and Type 12 surface-to-ship missile systems. This is the final step in Japan's plan to establish seven such regiments nationwide.

Japan to test launch improved Type 12 missile in 2024. Photo: ATLA

The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, is a truck-launched missile system derived from its predecessor, the Type 88. The missile combines inertial guidance, GPS guidance, and a Ka-band AESA radar seeker for terminal guidance.

The Type 12 is designed to attack naval targets from land and features improvements in guidance accuracy, target discrimination, reload time and survivability. The current version has a range of about 200km, but Japan is pushing ahead with the development of a long-range variant with an expected range of about 1,000km. The long-range version is designed for long-range strike roles, including use against land targets. Deployment of the missile is expected to begin this year.

The missile deployment at Yufuin is also linked to efforts to enhance long-range strike capabilities in Japan's southwestern region.

In addition to the Type 12 missile, Japan is also developing a number of domestic and imported long-range missile systems. Domestically developed systems include the improved Type 12 missile, the Hypervelocity Projectile (HVGP), supersonic cruise missiles, submarine-launched missiles, and precision missiles designed for anti-ship and land attack roles. Meanwhile, foreign imported systems include the US-made Tomahawk cruise missile and JASSM tactical missile, and the Norwegian Joint Strike Missile (JSM).

* US provides Flyer 72 LD light tactical vehicles to Ukraine?

According to Army Recognition, on March 31, the US secretly transferred at least one Flyer 72 Light Duty tactical vehicle (Flyer F72-LD), designated M1297 A-GMV in the US military's arsenal, to Ukraine.

This highly mobile platform is currently in use with the 4th Ukrainian Special Forces Regiment “Ranger” stationed in Kropyvnytskyi, Kirovohrad Oblast.

The Flyer 72 Light Duty is a modular, air-transportable terrain platform produced by Flyer Defense. Photo: Army Recognition

The Flyer 72 Light Duty, which can be transported by air and is manufactured by Flyer Defense, is used by the US Special Operations Forces and can transport up to nine soldiers and carry a payload of more than 2.2 tons.

Designed to operate in rugged and restricted terrain, the vehicle supports a variety of configurations including CASEVAC (casualty evacuation), armed transport and reconnaissance. It can reach a top speed of 120km/h and a range of 805km on flat terrain.

Air mobility and rapid deployment are key features of the Flyer 72 LD. It can be carried on CH-47 and CH-53 helicopters, as well as transported on C-130 and C-17 aircraft.

The low weight allows the C-17 to carry twice as many vehicles and personnel per flight as heavier armored vehicles. The platform’s configuration also supports a variety of weapons systems, including the M2 heavy machine gun and M240 machine gun mount. With STANAG Level I armor, the Flyer 72 LD balances survivability with mission flexibility.

* Somalia buys T129 ATAK helicopters from Türkiye

According to Defense Express, Somalia has decided to buy T129 ATAK attack helicopters manufactured by Turkish Aerospace Industries to modernize its armed forces.

Once completed, the deal will mark a significant milestone for the Somali military in its journey to modernize its weaponry and enhance its overall capacity to respond to persistent security threats.

Somalia buys T129 ATAK helicopters from Türkiye. Photo: Turkiye Today

As of now, both sides have not confirmed these plans and many details of this potential deal have not been disclosed, especially the contract value, number of helicopters, and delivery time.

In addition to attack helicopters, Turkey will also provide Somalia with Bayraktar Akinci unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) developed by Baykar. According to local media, the delivery will begin in the near future.

Somalia’s acquisition of Turkish attack helicopters would be a significant boost to its air capabilities. According to a Military Balance study, the Somali armed forces had only two Bell 412 utility helicopters in service by early 2024.

In late 2024, Italy donated a batch of rotorcraft to Somalia, bringing the total to 10, including six Bell 412s (including one Bell-412SP) and four Bell 205As.

QUYNH OANH (synthesis)

* Today's World Military column on the People's Army Electronic Newspaper sends readers the latest information on world military security and defense activities in the past 24 hours.

Source: https://baodaknong.vn/quan-su-the-gioi-hom-nay-1-4-nhat-ban-hoan-thanh-viec-trien-khai-ten-lua-dat-doi-ham-type-12-247876.html