Japan budget labels ASM-3 Kai as air-to-surface/anti-air missile

Japan’s FY2027 defense budget request describes the ASM-3 Kai as an “air-to-surface/anti-air missile,” implying a potential new anti-air (air-to-air) role or variant beyond its known anti-ship mission. If real, a Mach-3, ~400km-class ramjet missile with active/passive radar seeking could extend reach against high-value airborne assets (AEW&C, tankers) and alter regional air-defense/air-superiority tactics.