During the fiscal year 2027, Kawasaki Heavy Industries plans to test launch their new anti-ship missile, known as the “New SSM” (Surface-to-Surface Missile). On October 17, 2024, at the Tokyo International Aerospace Exhibition, this announcement was verified.Long-range cruise missiles like the new one are made to attack from a safe distance, beyond the range of the enemy’s defenses. It is propelled by a small, fuel-efficient turbofan engine and has wings for horizontal flight, much like an airplane. Since it is comparable to the U.S. “Tomahawk” cruise missile in terms of its capabilities, form, and range, it has been referred to as the “Japanese Tomahawk.”
