RIMPAC 2026 showcases joint ground-based anti-ship kill chain (HIMARS + Type 12)

RIMPAC 2026 SINKEX highlighted a combined allied maritime strike kill chain, including coordinated U.S. HIMARS and Japan’s Type 12 coastal anti-ship missile fires against maritime targets. While the missiles themselves are largely known, the notable element is the joint targeting/integration of ground-based fires with broader naval/air strike networks in a realistic ship-sinking scenario, reflecting evolving doctrine for distributed maritime operations and island-chain defense.