ASM-3


The ASM-3 is an supersonic anti-ship missile being developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to replace the ASM-1 and ASM-2 missiles. The major launch platform is the Mitsubishi F-2. Planned Initial Operational Capability was 2016. The missile will be used by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.
In November 2015, the Ministry of Defense announced it would conduct a live-fire experiment of the XASM-3 in 2016, targeting the decommissioned ship JDS Shirane. In February 2017, an F-2 carried out a jettison test of the missile as a precursor to a live firing. Mass production was planned to begin in 2018 but stopped due to the further upgrade program has been planned. Footage of a test launch was released in August 2017.

Improvement program

In March 2019, it was reported that the ASM-3 would have its range extended to or more. Despite its development being completed in 2017 the missile was not deployed because its range was deemed too short. The extended range is believed to be developed in response to countering the Chinese Navy's long range air-defense. The missile may be used by the F-2's successor once the aircraft retires in the 2030s.
In December 2019, the Japanese Defense Ministry secured ￥10.3 billion to upgrade the missile in the 2020 budget. It is planned to extend the range without resizing.

Variants