As drone swarms and ballistic missiles increasingly strain air defenses, Japan is developing a new weapon system designed to engage multiple threats in challenging environments.
Known as the Close-Range Air Defense System (CRADS), the platform brings together missiles, autocannons, and laser weapons in a single integrated system.
Rather than relying on fixed infrastructure, it will be mounted on armored vehicles to support mobile operations and allow the system to shift positions as needed.
Once fielded, CRADS is expected to complement Type 93 air defense systems, which are already in service with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.
While details remain limited, Japan’s Ministry of Defense plans to include CRADS development in its request for the fiscal 2027 budget.
Addressing Challenge
The launch comes amid the growing challenge of relying on long-range interceptor missiles, which are costly and available in limited numbers during large-scale attacks.
Autocannons offer a cheaper alternative with readily available ammunition, but their shorter range limits them to closer engagements.
Laser weapons have no limit on the number of shots they can deliver, although they have a shorter effective range than autocannons.
CRADS aims to address this by selecting the most suitable interception method for each incoming target, helping prevent threats from slipping through the defense.
