Advertisement

Missile launch at Beecroft Weapons range

July 24, 2023 9:07 am in by

In an Australian-military first, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force has conducted a live fire demonstration of a Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missile off the Australian east coast.

​The live fire was part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 and marked the first time the JGSDF has tested the capability in Australia.

​The Type 12 SSM, which did not include explosive ordnance, was launched from a truck-mounted system at Beecroft Weapons Range and fired at an unmanned target in the East Australia Exercise Area off the coast of Jervis Bay.

Article continues after this ad
Advertisement

​Exercise Director, Brigadier Damian Hill, said Talisman Sabre was an excellent opportunity to train alongside our allies and regional partners.

“This is Japan’s largest-ever participation in Exercise Talisman Sabre, and further strengthens interoperability between our military forces. It is another example of how our valuable partnership continues to grow and deepen.

​“Australia and Japan work closely together to support a secure, resilient and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

​“We undertake military training exercises with Japan and other partners regularly, but Exercise Talisman Sabre is a good opportunity to conduct more complex training activities together, like this missile firing.”

​“I thank the Illawarra and South Coast communities for hosting the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force for the past weeks as they prepared for a safe and successful firing.”

Article continues after this ad
Advertisement

JGSDF Chief of Staff, General Morishita Yasunori said the live-fire activity helped build relationships.  

​“Exercise Talisman Sabre is important because it strengthens cooperation with Australia and the US, which will help maintain and strengthen a free and open Indo-Pacific,” General Yasunori said.

​“I believe the SSM firing exercise, in conjunction with the Australian Navy, will enhance a high level of trust between Australia and Japan.”

​Talisman Sabre 2023 opening ceremony was held yesterday on-board HMAS Canberra in Sydney will run until 4 August with more than 30,000 military personnel from 13 nations.

Advertisement