TOKYO - Japan is to conduct a test of a long0range missile in June. This will be the first such test within Japan's borders.

The 1st Artillery Brigade of Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) will fire two Type 88 surface-to-ship missiles at a coastal missile range near Camp Shizunai in Hokkaido. The Type 88, also known as SSM-1, is a truck-mounted system with a range of more than 60 miles.

Japan plans to build missile training ranges for surface-to-ship missiles on Minamitorishima. The Type 12 missile, a successor to the Type 88, will use this new range.

Source: Stars & Stripes
Associated URL: https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2025-05-15/japan-long-range-missile-testing-17795291.html
Author: Keishi Koia and Brian Mcelhiney 

BEIJING, China - New details have emerged regarding the anticipated role of the AVIC/Shenyang J-35A stealth fighter within the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). According to Wang Yongqing, a designer at AVIC, the twin-engined aircraft is specifically optimized to counter "high-level" threats, with a particular focus on evading and engaging stealth aircraft. His comments, reported by the state-run China Daily, position the J-35A as a future "backbone" of the PLAAF, integral to its air defense capabilities.

Wang emphasized the fighter's ability to detect and track stealth aircraft and low-observable cruise missiles that might attempt to penetrate Chinese airspace. He highlighted the fighter's capacity to lock onto targets, share positional data with other weapon systems like surface-to-air missiles, and use its own radar to guide other ordnance to intercept threats. He also suggested that the J-35A is designed for affordable mass production, enabling its deployment on a significant scale within the PLAAF. The report also clarified that the J-35A is intended as a primary fighter for the PLAAF, rather than primarily for export.

The J-35A, which made its public debut at the Zhuhai air show in November 2024, is a descendant of the J-31/FC-31 Gyrfalcon family, with another variant of the J-35 under development for use on Chinese aircraft carriers.

Source: Flightglobal
Associated URL: https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/chinas-j-35a-to-support-kill-chains-against-adversary-stealth-aircraft/162951.article
Author: Greg Waldron 

NEW DELHI - India is interested in acquiring additional S-400 air defense systems. New Delhi claims the successful use of the S-400 surface-to-air missile (SAM) system during Operation Sindoor.

Inian officials said the S-400 systems intercepted missiles and drones launched by Pakistan. The S-400 is capable of tracking targets up to 600 kilometers away and intercepting at ranges of up to 400 kilometers.

India's original deal was worth $5.43 billion and signed in 2018. New Dehl ordered five S-400 air defense systems. New Delhi also denied claims that Pakistani had destroyed India-operated S-400 air defense systems.

Source: India Today
Associated URL: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/s-400-missile-defence-systems-india-russia-operation-sindoor-pakistan-drones-2724090-2025-05-13