Japan conducted its first live-fire demonstration of a Type 12 surface-to-ship missile off the Australian east coast during the Talisman Sabre 2023 multinational exercise.
The weapon was launched from a truck-mounted platform at Beecroft Weapons Range and intercepted an unmanned target at East Australia Exercise Area in Jervis Bay. It did not include explosive ordnance.
According to an Australian representative, Talisman Sabre was an “excellent opportunity” to train alongside allies and regional partners.
“This is Japan’s largest-ever participation in Exercise Talisman Sabre, and further strengthens interoperability between our military forces,” Exercise Director Brig. Damian Hill stated. “It is another example of how our valuable partnership continues to grow and deepen.”
“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.”
‘Sustaining High Level of Trust’
Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff Gen Morishita Yasunori explained the significance of the first Type 12 live-fire between Talisman Sabre participants.
“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,” Yasunori said.
“I believe the SSM (surface-to-ship missile) firing exercise, in conjunction with the Australian Navy, will enhance a high level of trust between Australia and Japan.”
A Local Effort
Alongside the efforts of foreign partners, the Australian Department of Defence acknowledged the local communities that contributed to the exercise.
“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,” Hill stated.
Talisman Saber 2023
Alongside Japan, this year’s iteration of Talisman Sabre included Germany, South Korea, Tonga, New Zealand, France, Canada, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and the UK.
Forces from Thailand, Singapore, and the Philippines were invited to observe the activity.
Demonstrations during the exercise included firepower deployment, amphibious and airborne missions, ground combat, and large-scale logistics.
