Japan and Taiwan Developed New Missile Systems
The nations have advanced their defensive capabilities to address rising regional military threats from China.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Japanese Food
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Japan has developed a new island defense missile and a subsonic long-range cruise missile featuring an XKJ301 1 turbofan engine. Simultaneously, Taiwan continues to maintain and expand its own arsenal of cruise and anti-ship missile systems.
Why it matters
Both nations are prioritizing the development of sophisticated missile technology to counter the significant military threat posed by the more than 1,400 ballistic missiles China currently has aimed at Taiwan.
Japan's new cruise missile currently has a 360-kilometer range with plans to reach over 1,000 kilometers, while Taiwan's Hsiung Feng 2E carries a 450-pound warhead. The Hsiung Feng 3 missile reaches top speeds of 2,300 kilometers per hour.
The players
Japan
Japan is a major East Asian nation that has significantly invested in indigenous missile defense systems to bolster its regional security posture.
Taiwan
Taiwan is a self-governing island that maintains a robust military strategy focusing on anti-ship and cruise missile technology to deter regional aggression.
China
China is a dominant regional power whose military modernization efforts and vast ballistic missile arsenal influence the defensive strategies of neighboring nations.
The details
Japan's Type 25 Anti-Ship Missile utilizes a redesigned airframe to minimize its radar signature, while its new cruise missile employs pop-out main wings in three sections for lift and stealth. Taiwan utilizes mobile land-based launchers to prevent targeting by Chinese ballistic missiles.
Timeline
The early 1990s marked the entry into service of the Hsiung Feng 2.
Production of the Hsiung Feng 3 began four years ago.
Taiwan admitted that warships were equipped with the Hsiung Feng 3 two years ago.
The report regarding Japanese missile developments was released on October 19, 2026.
The Yunfeng and ASM 3ER missiles are expected to enter service next year.
Roadmap
These advancements signal a strategic shift toward indigenous long-range strike capabilities, reducing reliance on foreign defense partnerships. This trajectory positions both nations to better contest regional waters against larger competitors through modernized stealth and speed.
These military developments reflect a permanent shift in regional defense postures that prioritize long-range deterrence and stealth capabilities. While they do not change daily routines, they signal a sustained focus on technological sovereignty as a central pillar of regional stability.
The takeaway
The rapid advancement of these missile systems highlights the growing importance of stealth technology and mobile launch platforms in modern defense. Readers should note that these military R&D trends indicate a long-term shift toward highly localized security strategies in the Asia-Pacific region.
What happens next
The ASM 3ER supersonic air-launched anti-ship missile is scheduled to enter service next year, alongside the expected deployment of Taiwan's Yunfeng missile system.
Further reading
Explore the evolving regional landscape and defense strategies in the Japanese Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by StrategyPage.
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