Japan readies supersonic ASM‑3A missile for naval defense
This year, Japan will commence the deployment of its first supersonic anti-ship missiles, the ASM-3A, intended for use on F-2 aircraft, among others. Here, we explore what is known about Japan's new anti-ship weapon.
According to the portal Jwing, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) will start the deployment of ASM-3A missiles within the current fiscal year. This represents a modern supersonic anti-ship weapon for the F-2 aircraft.
The new missile will replace older versions of the ASM-2, allowing the established Mitsubishi F-2 aircraft to remain effective in engaging enemy ships due to its increased range of up to approximately 150–200 nautical miles according to estimates.
ASM-3A missile — a supersonic scourge for the Russian fleet
The missile measures around 6 metres in length and weighs just under 1,000 kilograms, capable of reaching speeds exceeding Mach 3 (3,710 km/h) and flying at very low altitudes, posing significant challenges for ship self-defence systems.
The Japanese have achieved this long-range capability by using a ramjet engine instead of a traditional solid-fuel rocket engine, as evidenced by the air intakes at the bottom of the body, similar to the European air-to-air missile MBDA Meteor.
Ramjet engine — much more efficient than rocket engine
The ramjet engine operates similarly to a rocket engine, but the fuel doesn't require an oxidiser as it relies solely on a combustible substance. The oxygen needed for the combustion reaction is drawn from the atmosphere through distinctive air intakes, which also function as an air compressor before reaching the combustion chamber.
Thus, with the same mass of fuel, a longer engine operating time is achieved, leading to a higher missile speed and range. Although it requires an initial speed of approximately Mach 2 to ignite, this is made possible by a rocket booster operating for a few seconds.
Guidance to the target will be ensured by a combination of satellite and inertial navigation, complemented in the final flight phase by an active radar seeker. The details of the warhead remain unknown, but it is likely similar to other penetrating and explosive solutions used in competing anti-ship missiles. These capabilities will significantly enhance the Japanese aviation force in the event of a confrontation with the Chinese fleet.
