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ATLA LOOKS AT EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES

Daiki also explained that by FY2027, Japan will reinforce its capability
to enable operation of stand-off missiles including surface-launched
and ship-launched models.

“We will develop upgraded Type-12 surface-to-ship guided mis-
siles, with the assumption that they will be operated from various
platforms, to strengthen stand-off defence capability. We want the
systems to have longer range and intend to utilise them not onlyfrom
ground, but also from air and sea,”he added.

Off-Shore Patrol Vessels
The next generation off-shore patrol vessels (OPV) that will be oper-
ated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) will be
launched in the next two to three years, Daiki informed.

apan’s Acquisition Technology & Logistics The OPV, being built by primary contractor Japan Marine United
Agency (ATLA) is aggressively looking to (JMU), will have advanced stealth technology and ballistic missile
J accelerate the government’s efforts to management system, he added.
expand defence-related exports.
In July 2021 ATLA had announced a project for a new fleet of 12 OPVs.
“We have to capture the opportunities arising
out of the global developments, and promote Shipboard Unicorn
overseas transfer of defence equipment and Several countries in the region are showing keen interest in the ship-
technology,” Kasugahara Daiki, assistant com- board Unicorn, the unified complex radio antenna, Daiki said.
missioner of ATLA told Jay Menon in a recent
interview. Unicorn is the Nora-50 integration mast, which has a bar-shaped
dome that houses the antennas for tactical data link, tactical air
ATLA is showcasing equipment in line with the navigation system (Tacan), and communications. It downsizes the
seven necessary pillars of Japan’s defence strat- antennae on the top of the mast.The shape is designed to reduce
egy: stand-off defence capabilities, integrated the radar cross section, which gives it stealth capability.
air and missile defence capabilities, unmanned
defence capabilities, cross-domain capabili- “Last year, the brand new 3900-ton type frigate was launched for
ties, command and control/intelligence-related the JMSDF with the integrated mast Unicorn, which helps the vessel
functions, mobile deployment capabilities/civil in achieving advanced stealth capability. A total of four ships of the
protection, and sustainability and resiliency. Mogami-class are currently integrated with this system,” he added.
The system can also be integrated to the future OPVs.
“Under the stand-off defence capabilities,
Japan’s effort to develop a hypersonic system is Underwater Unmanned Vehicle
at its initial research stage,” Daiki said, adding, To establish a multilayered surveillance posture, secure underwater
“We envisage an early realisation of the system, and maritime superiority, and reduce loss of human resources, the
and intend to make it operational within the MSDF has introduced various unmanned assets such as UAVs, USVs
next 10 years.” including the use of existing manned vessels, and UUVs. It has also
established new unmanned asset units.
Various research and tests, including combus-
tion flight tests, are being carried out, aimed at “For the first time, our autonomous underwater vehicle of mine
developing scramjet engine technologies for the countermeasures Beluga OZZ-5 will soon be integrated with the new
system,” Daiki said. 30FFM frigate for anti-mine warfare. The system, which is developed
jointly with France, can detect all targets, including bottom mines,
One of the planned military applications of this buried mines and stealth bottomed mines,” Daily said.
technology is the development of a hypersonic
cruise missile, and high-speed glide bombs for Ground-based radar system
island defence. The export demand for the long-range fixed type air surveillance
radar has gone up following the first international order from the
“We also want to develop high-speed glide Philippines for the FPS-3 ME and TPS-P14ME medium-range mobile-
bombs with long ranges and make them capa- type air surveillance radars.
ble of traveling at supersonic speeds and high
altitudes from various points in the country to “We want more countries to buy this system. The Philippines have
deal with threats,” he said. shown interest in acquiring more units,” he said.
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