JAPAN - ATLA (Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency) & JSDF at DSEI JAPAN 2025

Summary

This document outlines the defense technologies, equipment, and research projects presented by Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) and the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JGSDF, JMSDF, JASDF) for DSEI Japan 2025. Featured systems include standoff missiles, railgun technology, high-power laser counter-drone systems, uncrewed surface vehicles, advanced naval vessels, aircraft, and CBRN defense units.

Event and Booth Information

JAPAN ATLA - Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency DSEI JAPAN 21-23 May 2025 Makuhari Messe, JAPAN HALL 6 Stand No: H6-160 & H6-350 https://www.mod.go.jp/atla/en/policy/defense_equipment.html#guides_and_movies

ATLA - Research and Development Systems

1. Vehicle-mounted high-power laser Demonstration system: Equipment utilizing high-power lasers can continuously defend against drones as long as a power supply is available. This enables an effective response at a lower cost compared to missiles and similar countermeasures.

2. Upgraded Type-12 SSM: Upgraded Type-12 surface-to-ship missile is a domestically produced stand-off missile currently under development by the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency. The missile’s most significant feature is its long-distance flight capability, which allows it to exert firepower from outside the threat zone of opponents. The missile can be launched from various platforms such as aircrafts, naval vessels and ground launchers, and has been designed for stealth.

3. Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile for the defense of remote islands: Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile for the defense of remote islands has the capability to fly long distance and exert firepower from the outside the threat zone of opponents. It has also the capability to fly in high altitude at supersonic velocity that the anti-air weapon is hardly able to intercept. By these features, Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile for the defense of remote islands exert effective anti-surface firepower.

4. Multi-Purpose Combat-Support USV: We are conducting research on stealthy Uncrewed Surface Vehicle (USV) to support crewed naval vessel combat missions, etc., by realizing various functions such as surveillance and the launch of anti-ship missiles through swapping out the mission module.

5. Railgun: An electromagnetic railgun can accelerate and launch projectile by using electric energy. Moreover, it can launch projectile in extremely high muzzle velocity compared with conventional guns using energy of gunpowder, and is expected to realize greater penetration power and longer shooting range. We are conducting research to establish all the necessary technologies for the early deployment of Railgun.

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF)

1. Type 03 Medium-Range SAM (modified) (Mitsubishi Electric Corporation | H5-296): Type-03 Medium-Range SAM (Modified) is guided missile for low-altitude targets and has a much improved target handling capability than Type-03 Medium-Range SAM (Modified). It is capable of dealing with low-altitude cruise missiles and high speed ASM through the use of advanced guidance technology. It also has all-round engagement capability and simultaneous multiple-target capability through the use of vertical launch and active phased-array radar systems. Type-03 Medium-Range SAM (Modified) is lighter and more maneuverable than Middle-Range SAM.

2. The Culmination of Counter Non-Conventional Threat Decontamination System Type I (IHI Corporation | H5-200): The latest decontamination system which has evolved further by adding the function of decontaminating precision instrument and wastewater treatment function to the long-selling “Type 94 Decontamination System”. Decontamination of personnel by hot water shower, high-pressure washing, decontamination of equipment by spraying decontaminant, decontamination of precision instruments by decontamination gas, and treatment of wastewater generated through decontamination process can all be completed with this single system.

3. CBRN Decontamination System (JMU Defense Systems Co., Ltd. | H5-200): All necessary machinery and system such as the boiler, the water/chemical tank, equipment box, controller, pumps etc. are equipped on one vehicle, so it is useful compact unit as decontamination device and for shower service in case of the CBRN incident and/or the disaster relief operation.

4. Water Purification System Reverse Osmosis (NEC Facilities, Ltd.): It is capable of removing turbidity, bacteria and viruses from natural water taken from the sea, rivers and lakes to provide fresh water. It is also capable of purifying seawater and can support missions in remote islands and areas without water sources.

5. Type-19 Wheeled Howitzer Self-Propelled (WHSP) (The Japan Steel Works, Ltd.): The Type-19 WHSP is a self-propelled artillery gun of the wheeled type that excels in mobility. It has a longer barrel than the FH-70 and can fire smoke bombs and flares. It can fire on paved surface, making it possible to operate in urban areas.

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF)

1. FFM (Upgraded Mogami Class) (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. | H6-100): FFM is superior in low signatures design, high speed(30+kt), automation and low-manning (approx.90), improved air defense capability and survivability, reduced lifecycle cost, mine hunting capability etc.

2. UNICORN (NEC Corporation | H5-250): Integrated multiple antennae, covered with low RCS Radome. Advanced stealth technology required for the mast of brand-new frigates is realized by gathering Japanese technologies. Introducing UNICORN, the embodiment of excellent technologies.

3. P-1 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. | H5-100): P-1 Maritime Patrol Aircraft is the successor to P-3C. It provides greater stability at low speed and low altitude flight, as well as faster mobility when compared with similar aircraft. P-1 has wide visibility from the cockpit and ample space for on-board equipment, providing its crew advanced anti-submarine and warship warfare capabilities.

4. US-2 Search & Rescue Amphibian Aircraft (ShinMaywa Industries, Ltd. | H6-200): US-2 Search & Rescue Amphibian Aircraft is the successor to US-1A. It has a STOL(Short Take-Off and Landing) capability and can land on rough seas with waves of up to three meters.

Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF)

1. ASM-3A (Air to Surface Missile) (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. | H6-100): The ASM-3 (Air to Surface Missile) was developed to effectively attack naval vessels and other threats invading our country, including remote islands, by flying at supersonic speed and striking from outside the threat zone of the target vessels. Currently, an extended-range version, ASM-3 (Advanced), is under development. The ASM-3A reflects the interim achievements of the ASM-3 (Advanced) development process.

2. Air Surveillance Radar (NEC Corporation | H5-250 / Mitsubishi Electric Corporation | H5-296): To address the aging of fixed Air Surveillance Radar and to adapt to the increasing sophistication of aircraft capabilities, deployment across the country has been carried out sequentially since FY 2015. To appropriately respond to the increasingly diverse and complex airborne threats, efforts have been underway since FY 2023 to enhance detection and tracking capabilities, including features to counter Hypersonic Glide Vehicles.

3. C-2 Transport Aircraft (Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. | H5-100): The C-2 Transport Aircraft is the successor to the C-1. The C-2 is capable of airdropping a substantial amount of cargo and its turbofan engines enable high-altitude, high-speed and long-range air transportation.

4. Aeromedical Evacuation Unit (Jupitor Corporation | H5-231): Aeromedical Evacuation Unit Type 2 is a container used to evacuate seriously ill or injured individuals and can be mounted on a C-130H or C-2 transportation aircraft. Once medical equipment and materials are installed within the unit, it has advanced medical monitoring and paramedic capabilities on par with an ICU.