On June 24, the 1st Artillery Brigade of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force conducted a test launch of a Type 88 surface-to-ship anti-ship missile during a military exercise at the Shizunai training ground on the island of Hokkaido.<br /><br />The target was an unmanned vessel located approximately 40 kilometers off the island’s southern coast. The launch is part of a series of military demonstrations aimed at strengthening Japan’s defensive readiness in response to China’s growing naval presence in the region.<br /><br />According to Japanese defense officials, the Type 88 missile is considered a key element in the country's deterrence strategy against potential incursions by the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) near the Japanese archipelago.<br /><br />Images: X @AsagumoNews52<br /><br />
