In January, the Japanese Self-Defence Forces (JMSDF) tested a newly developed, subsonic sea target missile that was designed to be difficult to locate and also performs barrel-rolls when approaching the target - i.e. flies towards the target in a spiral after the pop-up. This pushes even fast computers and air defence systems to their limits. In addition, the flight control system relies on a multiple sensor system in order to be able to navigate accurately even in a contested electromagnetic spectrum. As long as no further weapon parameters are known, the new system is only called „New Missile“, but is said to have been developed from the Japanese Type 12 ASM cruise missile family. Such a weapon could be used as the first wave against high-value sea targets before larger and much faster Japanese hypersonic cruise missiles are deployed. These are also already in the works at the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA).