Japan Eyes Production of Mk70 Containerized Missile Launcher

Japan could soon take a significant step in upgrading its maritime strike capabilities with the possible licensed production of the Mk70 containerized missile launcher system. Lockheed Martin, the U.S. defense giant, has initiated preliminary discussions with Japanese industry—most likely Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI)—regarding the local manufacturing of this advanced missile system.

The Mk70, also known as the "Payload Delivery System," is an innovative evolution of the well-established Mk41 Vertical Launching System (VLS), but with a critical twist—it comes containerized. The system fits a four-cell VLS into a standard 40-foot shipping container, making it highly mobile and deployable from a wide range of platforms, including ships, ground vehicles, and even unmanned systems.

Mk70: A Mobile Arsenal in a Box

Unlike traditional fixed missile launchers installed deep into a ship's structure, the Mk70 is a plug-and-play solution. It features a tiltable canister that rises before missile launches, and it is fully compatible with powerful long-range munitions like the SM-6 surface-to-air/hypersonic missile and the Tomahawk land-attack cruise missile.

So far, this containerized launcher has been adopted by the U.S. Army under the name Typhon Mid-Range Capability (MRC) and by the U.S. Marine Corps as part of their Long-Range Fires (LRF) concept using unmanned vehicles. The U.S. Navy has also tested the Mk70 on both unmanned ships like the Ranger and manned vessels such as the USS Savannah and the USS Nantucket, which featured the system during its commissioning ceremony.

Why Japan is Interested

Although there’s currently no formal decision to adopt the Mk70, Japan's growing focus on maritime security amid regional tensions makes the system highly attractive. In 2024, Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) issued a public request for a “Technical Study on Containerized SSM (Surface-to-Surface Missile) Launchers,” aimed at exploring the integration of anti-ship missiles into containerized platforms. This could allow even lightly armed vessels—like Japan's new Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs)—to be quickly upgraded for offensive roles without major structural changes.

Strategic Impact of the Mk70

1. Expanding Missile Capacity:
By deploying Mk70 containers across a range of ships, Japan could dramatically increase the number of launch-ready missiles within its fleet without needing to build more Aegis-class destroyers. This would deepen Japan’s "magazine capacity," allowing for sustained combat even if some vessels run out of onboard missiles.

2. Forcing Adversary Overwatch:
If multiple platforms—including smaller ships and ground units—can suddenly fire long-range missiles, any adversary, especially the Chinese Navy, would be forced to increase its surveillance and intelligence resources. This would stretch enemy ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) networks thin, giving Japan a tactical edge.

3. Networking Firepower:
When connected to advanced targeting networks like Aegis, Mk70-equipped ships could launch missiles from optimal positions determined by real-time combat data. Even vessels that are not frontline combatants could serve as missile launch platforms, dramatically increasing flexibility and lethality.

Specifications of the Mk70 Payload Delivery System

• Type: Containerized Vertical Launching System

• Container Size: Standard 40-foot

• VLS Configuration: 4-cell Mk41 VLS

• Missile Compatibility: SM-6, Tomahawk

• Launch Method: Tiltable launcher that erects before launch

• Deployment Platforms: Naval vessels, ground vehicles, unmanned systems

• Operational Role: Long-range strike, air defense, anti-ship, and land-attack missions

Looking Ahead

While Japan has not yet committed to adopting the Mk70 system, the initial discussions with Lockheed Martin point toward serious interest. Given that Mitsubishi Heavy Industries already holds the license to produce the Mk41 VLS in Japan, it is highly probable they would also be the partner for Mk70 production if a deal is struck.

As regional threats intensify, particularly in the East China Sea and Pacific, Japan’s move toward a flexible, distributed missile capability could be a defining shift in its defense doctrine. The Mk70 represents not just a weapon system, but a new way to think about naval and land-based strike power—one that aligns closely with Japan’s future defense needs.