Japan to Launch Type 88 Anti-Ship Missiles from Its Own Soil for the First Time in History.

In a historic first, Japan is set to conduct a live-fire test of its domestically developed Type 88 surface-to-ship missiles from within its own territory. The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) will carry out the exercise between June 19 and 30, 2025, at the Shizunai Anti-Aircraft Firing Range in Hokkaido.

This marks the first time Japan will launch the powerful truck-mounted Type 88 missiles from home soil—previous tests were typically conducted overseas, especially in the United States, due to safety and spatial concerns.

According to Stars and Stripes and The Diplomat, two nonexplosive missiles will be fired toward a target vessel located approximately 25 miles offshore. The move underscores Japan's evolving defense strategy amid rising regional tensions.

The Type 88, developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, boasts a range of over 100 kilometers and uses inertial navigation with terminal radar guidance to strike enemy ships.