The US Marine Corps launched missiles at ships from Okinawa — the new NMESIS system is in action

NMESIS — mobile missile salvo from the shore

In recent weeks, the US Marines have been actively practicing a new tactic: launching anti-ship missiles from shore at naval targets. For the first time, this was done from Okinawa, a key American foothold in Japan. The missiles were launched from the NMESIS (Naval/Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System), a mobile, stealthy and extremely dangerous system for enemy ships.

This is not just an exercise. This is a demonstration of how the United States is changing the rules of the game in the Pacific Ocean.

Studying in Japan is not just an exercise, but a signal

The NMESIS system arrived in Japan on July 10, after which the Marines of the 3rd Division spent several weeks in intensive training. They practiced deployment, camouflage, targeting, and finally launch. The successful launch was a confirmation of combat readiness.

The location in Okinawa is not an accident. This is the closest point to potential "hot spots". Here you can control the East China Sea, the Taiwan Strait, and even part of the South China Sea.

How does a system that hides and hits accurately work?

NMESIS is not a stationary launcher. It is an unmanned truck based on the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) chassis, which can move through difficult terrain, disguise itself and quickly change position. It is equipped with two Naval Strike Missile (NSM) missiles from the Norwegian Kongsberg.

The missiles are inconspicuous, maneuver in front of the target and hit with high accuracy. And most importantly, the system is autonomous. You can deploy it, launch it, and leave it without leaving a trace. It is almost impossible for the opponent to understand where the blow came from.

185 km to the goal — why is the USA in the Pacific Ocean

A range of 185 kilometers is not just a number. This is a zone where you can reach enemy ships without leaving the cover of the land. Imagine a small group of Marines deploying on an island, launching missiles and disappearing. During this time, the ship can already be hit.

This tactic is part of the "distributed operations" strategy, where there are no large bases, but there are many small, secretive and deadly points. This makes the opponent vulnerable and limits his freedom of action.

Sources

1. Japan Times — NMESIS deployment & training on Okinawa
2. Stars and Stripes — 3rd Marine Division live-fire rehearsal at Camp Hansen
3. Newsweek — strategic importance of NMESIS in Indo-Pacific deterrence
4. Army Recognition — technical overview & 185 km NSM range
5. USNI News — first Japan-based training; kill-chain rehearsal
6. Defence Blog — rapid-reload drills with ROGUE-Fires JLTV

Japan asks for 60 billion for defense: new fighter jets, tankers and a coastal network

How much and for what: the main budget items

Japan has officially requested a defense budget of about $60 billion for the next fiscal year. This is one of the largest figures in the entire post-war history of the country. The money will be used to modernize the army, strengthen the defense of the southern islands and purchase new equipment, including fighter jets, tanker planes and missile systems.

Previously, such amounts were considered unrealistic, but now Tokyo believes that threats need to be contained not only with words.

F-35 and KC-46: bet on compatibility with the USA

Additional F—35 fighter jets are among the main purchases. Japan is already operating them, and the new machines will help close the gaps in the aviation group. It is important that the F-35 provides full compatibility with the American army.: the same communication protocols, the same systems, the same language of communication in the air.

Another major order is the KC—46 tanker aircraft. Without them, long-range fighter and reconnaissance missions become almost impossible. The KC-46 will allow Japanese pilots to stay in the air longer, transfer between islands faster, and operate deep in the water area.

Coastal defense is not just a set of missiles

One of the key articles is the creation of a coastal defense network. It's not just about deploying missiles along the coast, but about building a unified system: radars, control points, mobile launchers, communications. All of this will work as a single organism.

Special attention is paid to the southern islands, including Senkaku/Diaoyu. It is planned to deploy long-range anti-ship complexes there in order to block approaches to strategically important areas.

Why now: Geopolitics and Internal changes

The background is obvious: China's growing activity, North Korea's missile launches, and tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Japan can no longer rely solely on the American wing. She needs her own strength— not for aggression, but to be heard.

At the same time, the very view of defense is changing in the country. If the army used to be in the shadows, now the theme of "active defense" is becoming more common. This does not mean that Japan is preparing for war. But she is preparing not to lose if something goes wrong.

Satellite images reveal new Chinese weapon ahead of military parade: focus on anti-ship missiles

The parade as a demonstration of technological superiority

Ahead of a major military parade in Beijing, satellite imagery has provided the first visual evidence of the deployment of a new generation of Chinese weapons. Notable systems include several types of anti—ship missiles, including modifications with improved performance. Their demonstration at the parade will not only be a show of inner strength, but also a clear signal to external strategic players.

China continues to use the parades as a platform for the presentation of advanced military technologies, demonstrating progress in the modernization of the PLA Armed Forces.

New anti-ship missiles: range and power

The images indicate the presence of missiles similar to the upgraded versions of the DF-21D and DF-26B, the so—called "aircraft carrier killers." These systems have supersonic or hypersonic speeds, maneuverable warheads, and the ability to hit moving targets at sea.

It is reported that the range of some of them reaches 4,000-5,000 km, which allows them to cover key areas in the Pacific Ocean, including possible positions of US Navy strike groups. The emergence of new variants with improved stealth and guidance systems indicates constant modernization.

The goal is to deter the US Navy in the Pacific Ocean

Analysts note that the characteristics of the new missiles indicate their focus on countering American aircraft carriers and other large ships. This fits into China's overall strategy to create "access restriction and breakout prevention" (A2AD) zones in the South China and East China Seas.

The deployment of such systems enhances Beijing's ability to control sea routes and reduce the operational freedom of the US Navy in the region.

A signal to strategic rivals

The display of new missiles at the parade is not just a demonstration of military power, but an element of strategic communication. He stresses China's willingness to defend its interests and its ability to counter the most advanced military platforms.

Such actions increase tensions in the region, but at the same time encourage a review of tactics and technologies on the part of the United States and its allies.

Europe is preparing new cruise and anti-ship missiles under the leadership of MBDA

At the Paris Aerospace Salon 2025, they talked about the project of the future European cruise and anti-ship weapons called FC/ASW (Futur Missile Antinavire/Futur Missile de Croisière), which is headed by MBDA. His goal is to create two new modern rockets that will replace the now obsolete Exocet, Harpoon and SCALP/Storm Shadow. These old models can no longer cope with new threats and modern protection systems. The development is underway with the participation of France, Great Britain and Italy, and these missiles will be used in the armed forces of these countries.

The first TP15 rocket is a subsonic, very stealthy and versatile machine. Its speed will be slightly less than sound, and very low radar visibility will ensure low visibility. TP15 will receive a new turbojet engine, which is being jointly created by Rolls-Royce and Safran. The missile will be slightly longer than 5 meters and will be able to pass through the most advanced air defense systems. Like the SCALP, it will have an advanced infrared guidance head, thanks to which it will effectively hit ground targets — warehouses, headquarters, important infrastructure, and at the same time be able to strike ships. The development of this missile is under the leadership of Britain.

The second rocket is a supersonic RJ10 with a ramjet engine. It will be able to accelerate from three to five Mach and at the same time maintain good maneuverability to overcome enemy air defenses. This missile will be controlled using a new generation active radar head, which is being created by Thales and MBDA UK. The main objective of the RJ10 is to destroy targets at long ranges, especially to be used to suppress and destroy enemy air defenses (SEAD /DEAD). This missile is being developed under the leadership of France.

Technological improvements and tests of the components of both rockets are currently underway. Demonstration tests and verification of engines have already been carried out. A preliminary review of the program is scheduled for the end of 2025. Large-scale flight tests will take place from 2026 to 2028. Plans envisage the arrival of new missiles in the armed forces by the end of this decade or in the early 2030s. There are suggestions that the first batch may appear as early as 2028, a year earlier than originally planned.

These two missiles complement each other: one for quiet and precise strikes with subsonic speed and high stealth, the other for high—speed, powerful attacks over long distances and combating air defense systems. This approach will provide Europe with modern and flexible capabilities to strike in difficult conditions of future conflicts.

Japan puts "long-range needles" in the south: Type-12 missiles on Kumamoto against China

 

Type-12 Missile Launcher

Japan is coming close to implementing a plan to deploy its new ultra-long-range anti-ship missiles, and this is directly related to China's growing activity in the region. The country's Defense ministry has almost completed the development of a plan according to which the upgraded Type-12 missiles will be deployed at the base of the Ground Self-Defense Forces at Camp Kangun, Kumamoto Prefecture. This is clearly being done as a deterrent measure in response to China's increased military maneuvers around the disputed islands of Nansei and Taiwan. The first missiles are expected to arrive at the base as early as this fiscal year, starting approximately in March 2026. The main feature of the new missiles is their impressive range, which, according to various sources, ranges from 900 to 1200 km, which is several times more than the older versions. This range allows missiles to reach potentially dangerous areas. It is planned that after deployment in Kyushu (where Kumamoto is located), the missiles will appear in Okinawa. Other potential locations are also being considered, for example, the garrison in the Southern Federal District (Icu Prefecture). These mobile missile systems will seriously strengthen the defense of the southwestern islands of Japan.

North Korea builds largest domestic warship

According to a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), an American think tank, North Korea is building its largest warship, a new guided missile frigate at the Nampho shipyard. Satellite images taken on Sunday show the ship being built in a floating dry dock on the west coast of the country. The length of the vessel, mostly covered with camouflage netting, is estimated at about 140 meters (459 ft). If confirmed, it will be the largest warship ever built by North Korea.

Construction of the ship began in May 2024, but the details have only recently become known from open sources. Satellite images analyzed by South Korea show that the ship is equipped with a vertical launch system (VSP) for anti-aircraft, anti-ship and cruise missiles, and also has a designated area for artillery installation. This indicates that North Korea is moving towards more powerful warships than those previously known.

Interestingly, North Korea has covered the ship under construction with a protective net, making it difficult to analyze its design using satellite images. This deliberate concealment of details indicates Pyongyang's desire to keep its key achievements secret from foreign intelligence services.

Lockheed Martin receives contract for modification of LRASM anti-ship missiles

Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) has received a modification contract worth US$ 13.3 million for the production of the ninth batch of long-range anti-ship missiles (LRASM). The contract was awarded by the U.S. Air Force Lifecycle Management Center at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Work related to this transaction will be performed in Orlando, Florida, and is expected to be completed by December 31, 2028. The latest modification increases the total value of the contract to 5.19 billion US dollars.

LRASM (Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile) is a highly accurate intelligent anti-ship missile weapon designed to defeat various surface threats at very long ranges. The missile is capable of autonomously navigating to the target and delivering an accurate warhead from a safe distance. The LRASM was developed based on the combat-proven JASSM (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile) missile system and has the ability to penetrate complex integrated air defense systems.

The award of this contract reflects the growing need for advanced missile systems to ensure the national security of the United States and its allies. In the face of increasing military conflicts and threats, LRASM is becoming an important element in the arsenal of the US Air Force and the US Navy. Lockheed Martin continues to expand its production facilities to meet the demand for these missiles. In 2022, the company opened a new 225 thousand square foot intelligent plant in Orlando, Florida, to increase production.

Mordor Intelligence predicts that the global market for missiles and missile defense systems will grow at an average annual rate of 5% between 2025 and 2030. This opens up significant opportunities for Lockheed Martin, whose Missile and Fire Control division is a recognized developer of high-performance missiles. The company actively cooperates with more than 50 countries around the world.

Hanwha Aerospace unveils new HPRS rocket launcher in Australia

 

HPRS

Hanwha Aerospace has unveiled a new 6x6 rocket launcher in Australia called the High-Performance Launch Rocket System (HPRS). This system is a single-container launcher, similar in configuration to the American M142 HIMARS, and is designed for easy deployment and high mobility. The HPRS is a lighter version of the K239 Chunmoo multiple launch rocket system, weighing less than 30 tons, and is equipped with four CTM-MR anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM).

The HPRS platform was developed with a priority on fast transportation and firing capability, while maintaining compatibility with Chunmoo technology. This allows the HPRS to be used both on land and on ship platforms for artillery missions. The development of CTM-MR, a rocket integrated with HPRS, is in progress and is expected to be completed in 2027. The CTM-MR missile has an operational range of 50 to 160 kilometers and a circular probability error (CEP) of 9 meters.

The HPRS can be supplemented with other types of ammunition compatible with the Chunmoo system, such as CGR-80 guided missiles with a range of 30 to 80 kilometers. This makes HPRS a flexible system capable of adapting to various tasks and combat conditions.

Hanwha Aerospace has already had a successful cooperation experience with Australia, supplying weapons systems such as the AS9 Huntsman, AS10 and AS21 Redback. The introduction of HPRS in Australia is another step in expanding the company's portfolio in the Indo-Pacific region.

HPRS may be of interest to Southeast Asian countries, where mobility and versatility are a priority for maritime security. The HPRS system offers capabilities for both land-based and ship-based artillery operations, which meets the defense requirements of countries with extensive maritime borders.