Japan to Test Anti-ship Missile, Possibly to Counter China’s Aircraft Carrier

Japan is developing its XASM-3 air-launched anti-ship missile, and plans to experimentally launch it by 2016 in the Sea of Japan, according to Japan’s Ministry of Defence.

It is reported that the missile could be produced to counter China’s Liaoning aircraft carrier, which has been in service for over three years since its launch on September 25, 2012. According to Global Times and Japanese media Tokyo Shimbun’s reports in 2010, “The XASM-3 anti-ship missile is supersonic, and thus cannot be intercepted. It is possibly made to counter the Chinese Navy, who is officially developing its aircraft carrier.”

Jointly developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency of Japan Ministry of Defence, the XASM-3 missile is anticipated to be completed by 2016 with research already started in 2010. The entire construction is believed to cost over $243 million.