The Type 12 Torpedo – Japan’s Latest Submarine Killer

For Short-Range Attacks

Once cherished by the Imperial Japanese Navy, torpedos have been one of the main areas of focus when it comes to naval warfare in Japan.

Being the de-facto successor of the Imperial Japanese Navy, the Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) continues to put emphasis on domestic torpedoes, primarily for submarine/anti-submarine warfare (ASW) purposes.

Though anti-ship missile have replaced these weapons as the means for ship-to-ship combat, it still serves as the main countermeasure against submarines for surface vessels.

Among these countermeasures, the ASROC missile is perhaps the most famous and effective weapon, but we cannot forget the existence of the triple torpedo tubes.

Found on most JMSDF combat ships, these torpedo tubes contain lightweight torpedos used for short-range ASW, with the most recent version being the “Type 12 torpedo.”

• General Overview

Developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the Type 12 Torpedo emerged as the successor to the Type 97 Torpedo and is currently used on the “Asahi-class Destroyers” as well as the P-1 maritime patrol aircraft.

In a typical ASW operation, the first wave would usually be conducted by the SH-60K helicopters followed by mid-range attacks using the ASROC missiles. Lightweight torpedos such as the Type 12 are reserved for the last line of defense or when the enemy sub is too close for ASROCs.

Improved For Shallow Waters

Compared to previous models, the Type 12 Torpedo significantly enhanced its capability in shallow coastal waters where volatile sea temperature, water currents and salinity as well as contoured terrain heavily affect any acoustic detection.

The complex nature of these coastal areas demand advanced technology, resulting in the Type 12 being updated with the latest sensors. In addition to these sensors, new improvements in guidance and maneuverability enables the torpedo to absolutely pursue and corner enemy subs.

Details of the Type 12 Torpedo (photo: JMSDF)

The Type 12 not only has the ability for both deep-sea and coastal operations, but it has also reduced development costs by utilizing approximately 40% of the Type 97 torpedo’s components, making it possible for future reuse.

Alongside these impressive features, the Type 12 torpedo employs a High-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) warhead instead of the standard high-explosive version, making them extremely deadly.

These HEAT warheads are designed to penetrate enemy armor using a high-velocity liquified metal liner, which is ideal for anti-tank combat and overkill against underwater submarines.