Japan Cruise Missiles Market - 2024 - 2031

Japan Cruise Missiles Market reached US$ 1.4 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 2.1 billion by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 5.20%during the forecast period 2024-2031.

The Japan Cruise Missiles Market is evolving with several key trends that reflect the country's changing defense priorities, technological advancements and regional security dynamics. Japan is placing significant emphasis on developing long-range precision-guided missile systems to strengthen its defense capabilities.

This includes both anti-ship and land-attack cruise missiles that can target adversary vessels or land-based installations with high accuracy over extended distances. Japan's Type 12 Anti-Ship Cruise Missile (ASCM) is a prime example, designed to bolster Japan's naval defense and deter potential threats in the region, especially from neighboring countries like China

Japan is actively investing in hypersonic missile technology as part of its efforts to modernize its missile defense systems. Hypersonic missiles, which travel at speeds greater than Mach 5, are seen as a key capability to counter emerging threats, including advanced missile systems developed by China and Russia.

A significant trend in Japan's missile defense strategy is the increasing emphasis on indigenous missile development. While Japan has historically relied on foreign suppliers, such as the US, for many of its missile systems, there is now a strong push to develop homegrown solutions that cater to Japan's specific defense needs. This includes the development of advanced anti-ship missiles, land-attack missiles and defensive systems that are fully integrated into Japan's military strategy and infrastructure.

Japan continues to enhance its missile defense capabilities through the integration of US missile defense systems, strengthening its partnership with the United States. This integration allows Japan to access cutting-edge technology and systems, such as Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) and Tomahawk cruise missiles, which are central to Japan's defense strategy. The joint use of these systems ensures that Japan's defense infrastructure remains interoperable with US forces and strengthens the overall deterrence capability of the US-Japan alliance.

Strong US-Japan Defense Cooperation

The strong US-Japan defense cooperation plays a pivotal role in shaping Japan's cruise missile market. This alliance is built on decades of mutual defense agreements and strategic military partnerships, which significantly enhance Japan's missile capabilities. As both nations face common security threats in Asia-Pacific, particularly from North Korea and China, this cooperation ensures that Japan has access to advanced US technology, expertise and missile defense systems.

For instance, in 2024, US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced plans to strengthen and expand significantly their countries' alliance with military, space-related and other projects as a hedge against China and Russia. Additionally, the deployment of US Tomahawk missiles in Japan, as part of joint defense strategies, significantly boosts Japan's long-range strike capabilities. The systems are not only essential for defense but also act as a deterrent, showcasing the strength of US-Japan military collaboration.

Moreover, the joint development of missile technologies has fostered Japan's advancements in cruise missiles. For example, Japan's efforts to develop the Type 12 Anti-Ship Cruise Missile (ASCM) are supported by US missile technology, ensuring that Japan's cruise missile systems are on par with the latest global advancements.

The joint training exercises between the US and Japan's armed forces further ensure that both nations are equipped to handle missile defense and counterattack operations in a coordinated manner, making the cooperation a cornerstone of Japan's cruise missile defense strategy. The partnership continues to play a crucial role in Japan's efforts to modernize its missile defense capabilities and maintain a strong, independent defense posture in the Asia-Pacific region.

Rising Defense Budget and Military Modernization

Rising defense budgets and military modernization are key factors driving the growth of the cruise missile market in Japan. Over recent years, Japan has significantly increased its defense spending in response to evolving security challenges in Asia-Pacific, including North Korea's missile tests and China's growing military presence. This focus on strengthening its military infrastructure directly impacts the demand for advanced weapon systems, including cruise missiles.

For instance, in 2024, Japan's cabinet approved a new US$ 55.13 billion defense budget, marking the 13th consecutive year that Tokyo has increased defensing spending. The budget allocates 939 billion yen or US$ 5.95 billion, for stand-off weapons capability. The domestic acquisition of these weapons includes the procurement of ground-launched and sea-launched Type 12 anti-ship missiles, submarine-launched guided missiles, high velocity gliding missiles for island defense and the expansion of manufacturing capabilities for hypersonic guided missiles.

Foreign procurement includes the joint strike missile for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's F-35A fleet, the joint air-to-surface stand-off missile for the JASDF's upgraded F-15 fleet and adding Tomahawk cruise missile launch capabilities to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's Aegis destroyers. Thus, Japan's rising defense budget and focus on military modernization are crucial drivers of the cruise missile market.

Restraints

High Costs of Developing and Procuring Advanced Missiles

The high costs of developing and procuring advanced missiles significantly restrain the growth of the Japan cruise missiles market, as Japan faces substantial financial constraints in its military modernization efforts. Developing advanced missile systems, including cruise missiles, requires significant investment in research, technology and infrastructure.

Additionally, procuring these missiles from international suppliers also incurs high costs, which can strain Japan's defense budget and limit its ability to expand its missile capabilities. For instance, the development of indigenous missile systems, such as Japan's Type 12 Anti-Ship Cruise Missile (ASCM), involves high research and development costs.

These missiles are designed to enhance Japan's maritime defense capabilities, but the process of designing, testing and deploying them requires considerable funding. The expenses associated with creating advanced guidance systems, propulsion technologies and testing platforms contribute to the overall high cost of missile production.

Additionally, Japan's efforts to upgrade existing missile systems like the Tomahawk missile also require substantial financial outlays for procurement, integration and operational readiness. The financial burden of modernizing missile capabilities, combined with other defense priorities, limits the country's ability to rapidly expand its cruise missile inventory and deploy cutting-edge systems at the desired pace.

Segment Analysis

The Japan cruise missiles market is segmented based on type, launch platform, range, warhead type and propulsion system.

Demand for Hypersonic Cruise Missile Drives the Segment Growth

The Hypersonic cruise missile segment is expected to dominate with over 25% of the market during the forecast period 2024-2031. The hypersonic cruise missile segment is a critical driver for the Japan cruise missile market, as the country seeks to enhance its deterrence and defense capabilities in response to regional missile threats. The growing threat of missile attacks from regional adversaries, particularly from North Korea and China, has accelerated Japan's investment in hypersonic cruise missiles.

The high-speed missiles are particularly effective at overcoming conventional defense systems, making them essential for countering the missile threat posed by these nations. As both China and Russia advance their own hypersonic missile programs, Japan has been prompted to accelerate its missile development to keep pace with these technological advancements.

For instance, in 2023, Japan's Defense Ministry has signed contracts totaling 314.7 billion yen (US$ 2.3 billion) with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) to develop its own standoff missiles. The include four new missile projects, all awarded to MHI. The first contract, worth 58.4 billion yen, focuses on developing a hypersonic missile from FY2023 to FY2026. The second, valued at 200.3 billion yen (US$ 1.4 billion), involves the development of the Block II upgrade of the Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile (HVGP), expected to have a range of several hundred to several thousand kilometers, from FY2023 to FY2027.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the Japan Cruise Missiles market include Lockheed Martin, Raytheon Technologies, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, General Dynamics,l MBDA, Thales Group, Israel Aerospace Industries, BAE Systems plc and Aerojet Rocketdyne.

Key Developments

• In January 2024, Japan signed a contract to purchase up to 400 Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States for $1.7 billion. The missiles will be deployed in fiscal years 2025-2027. The Tomahawk is a subsonic missile with a range of 1,600 kilometers that can be launched from naval and ground platforms.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the Japan cruise missiles market segmentation based on type, launch platform, range, warhead type and propulsion system, as well as understandkey commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of the Japan cruise missiles market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The Japan cruise missiles market report would provide approximately 48 tables, 40 figures and 202 pages.

Target Audience 2024

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies