Quick Facts
| Variants | Type 91 |
| Role and Mobility | Surface-to-Air Missile Defense System; Road-Mobile |
| Interceptors and Range |
Type 91 Missile Speed: Mach 1.9 Range: N/A |
| Sensors |
Infrared Guidance System Image Guidance System |
| Targets | Low-Altitude Aircraft, |
| Status/Exports | Operational; None |
| Designer/Producer | Toshiba Heavy Industries |
Overview
The Type 93 Air Defense System is a surface-to-air missile used by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. It is the vehicle-borne version of the Type 91 Air Defense System.[i] Also known as Closed Arrow, the Type 93 closely resembles the United States Military’s Avenger.[ii] It was first deployed in 1993 as a replacement for the L-90 35mm Anti-Aircraft Twin Cannons in service.[iii]
Strategic Implications
Strategically, the Type 93 is a vast improvement over its predecessor, the L-90, as it has the ability to track and shoot down enemy aircraft using its infrared homing capabilities. Using its 3rd generation-made infrared and ultraviolet guidance systems, it can record the target’s image profile and ignore defense countermeasures like flares. These capabilities would make it important during conflict, because it maximizes the chance of hitting the target and not a decoy.[iv]
Timeline
1993: Type 93 Air Defense System was first deployed in JGSDF service
1991: Toshiba Heavy Industries began designing the Type 93 system[v]
Recent News
References
[i] https://www.onwar.com/weapons/rocket/missiles/Type-93-Surface-to-air-missile.html
[ii] http://rightwing.sakura.ne.jp/equipment/jgsdf/firearms/type93sam/type93sam.html
[iii] https://www.revolvy.com/main/index.php?s=Type+93+surface-to-air+missile&uid=1575
[iv] Ibid.
[v] https://www.onwar.com/weapons/rocket/missiles/Type-93-Surface-to-air-missile.html
