Secret Japanese Missile System Accidentally Revealed During Training

Japan accidentally revealed its new secret missile system, the MPMS Kai, during military exercises – even though it isn’t officially set to enter service until 2026.

The Military Japan Telegram channel, which focuses on Japan’s military history, reported on this.

During the Resolute Dragon 2025 exercises, the press service of the 8th Infantry Division of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force inadvertently released a video showing the system being deployed.

Later, the press service edited the video, removing the footage featuring the MPMS Kai missile system. Despite this, a fragment was preserved, showing a close-up of the launcher of the new missile system – which until recently was considered secret.

It can be seen that the launcher, equipped with six tubular transport and launch containers, is mounted on a multipurpose HMV off-road vehicle. It is worth noting that the transport and launch containers themselves may be housed within a box-shaped casing designed to protect both the containers and the electrical wiring.

Additionally, a mast with an antenna array is visible – similar to the one used in MMPM missile systems – which is required for detecting ground and aerial targets.

The launcher is also equipped with an optical unit that enables missile guidance within visual range. Although no official information about the missile’s range has been released, it is assumed to be around 30–35 km. This estimate is based on data from test requests conducted at the Niimajima missile range, where a closed zone of approximately 40 km was established for trials.

As part of Japan’s defense budget for 2026, the Ministry of Defense has allocated funding for the procurement of new long-range multipurpose missile systems, the MPMS Kai.

According to the plan, in 2026 the Ministry of Defense of Japan ordered 11 long-range MPMS Kai missile systems, which are intended to replace the existing Type 96 systems in service. The total value of this order amounts to $167.7 million.

The new missile system is intended to strengthen the Japan Self-Defense Forces’ capabilities in anti-ship operations – specifically to engage landing craft and other surface vessels – as well as to effectively destroy armored vehicles at ranges of 20–30 km.

Improved long-range strike performance has been made possible by an advanced seeker capable of automatically detecting, identifying, and simultaneously tracking multiple targets for subsequent autonomous engagement.

The missile is equipped with multiple guidance channels, including an infrared system and a laser target-detection system. The latter deserves special attention: it scans the surface during flight, building a detailed picture of terrain and object silhouettes.

Thanks to its advanced algorithms, the system is capable of identifying targets such as tanks or landing ships. The MPMS Kai missile itself is 2.3 meters long and weighs 98.5 kg, making it slightly larger and heavier compared to the previous missile.

Like the Type 96, the new system retains the capability to launch missiles at different angles – both vertically at 90° and at 45° angle – providing flexibility in combat use.

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