Japan Ordered the Latest MPMS Kai Missile Systems

The Japan Ministry of Defense has provided funding for the purchase of new long-range MPMS Kai multipurpose missile systems as part of the military budget for 2026.

The relevant information was published in the budget request for 2026.

According to the plan, in 2026, the Japan Ministry of Defense ordered 11 MPMS Kai long-range missile systems to replace the Type 96 systems in the army. The total value of this order is USD 167.7 million.

The new missile system is designed to enhance the capabilities of the Japan Self-Defense Forces in anti-ship warfare, in particular to destroy landing craft and other watercraft, as well as to effectively destroy armored vehicles at distances of 20-30 km.

Improved effectiveness for long-range strikes was made possible by the use of an advanced homing head capable of automatically detecting, identifying and simultaneously tracking multiple targets for their subsequent autonomous destruction.

The missile is equipped with several guidance channels, including an infrared system and a laser target detection system. The latter deserves special attention: it scans the surface during flight, forming a detailed picture of the relief and silhouettes of objects.

Thanks to the appropriate algorithms, the system is able to identify targets such as tanks or landing craft.

The MPMS Kai missile itself is 2.3 meters long and weighs 98.5 kg, which is slightly larger and heavier than a rocket.

MPMS Kai will be based on the HMV multi-purpose off-road vehicle with an installed launcher, as well as other vehicles of the battery complex. Compared to the previous Type 96 system, the composition of the battery has been optimized: now instead of 6 vehicles, 3 are used – launchers (up to three per battery), a radar station and a control vehicle.

Like the Type 96, the new system retains the ability to launch missiles at different angles: both vertically at 90° and at 45°, which provides flexibility in combat use.

It is worth noting that the Japan Ministry of Defense emphasizes the reduced cost of the new MPMS Kai system, which will allow purchasing a larger number of these systems compared to the previous Type 96 model, of which only 36 units were ordered between 1996 and 2012.

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At the same time, the new system will complement the less long-range MMPM systems that are being deployed to anti-tank units as part of reorganized rapid response infantry regiments and conventional infantry regiments. These systems provide effective destruction of armored vehicles and small air targets at a range of up to 10 km.