Type 03 Chū-SAM

The Type 03 Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (03式中距離地対空誘導弾) or SAM-4 or Chu-SAM (中SAM) is a Japanese developed surface-to-air missile system currently in service with the JGSDF. The SAM's vehicle chassis is based on the Kato Works Ltd/Mitsubishi Heavy Industries NK series heavy crane truck. It uses a state-of-the-art active electronically scanned array radar.

Overview
The Chu-SAM air defense system is based on 8×8 cross country unarmored trucks, and includes a command center, radar unit, launcher, and transloader, with each unit equipped with six missiles that travel at Mach 2.5. The system can track up to 100 targets simultaneously and target 12 at the same time, engaging fighter jets, helicopters, and cruise missiles.

Upgrade
In 2014, the JGSDF began evaluation of the upgraded Chu-SAM Kai, which uses improved sensor and networking features for better range and targeting of more complex cruise and anti-surface missile threats. During the summer of 2015, 10 Chu-SAM Kai missiles were test fired at White Sands Missile Range in the United States and successfully intercepted various targets, including a GQM-163 Coyote supersonic target drone; White Sands hosted the launches because the location's large size and controlled airspace allowed for testing conditions unavailable in Japan. Operational tests of the Chu-SAM Kai took place at White Sands, in 2016.

The Chu-SAM Kai missile is also planned to be converted to the long-range ship-to-air missile with an ejectable rocket booster.

The new Chu-SAM Kai is also called “A-SAM”. It was successfully test fire onboard JS Asuka in December 2022. The new missile’s main body is based on the technology of the Type 03 medium-range surface-to-air missile (modified), which is currently being deployed by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), and the booster is based on the technology of the Type 07 VL-ASROC in service with the JMSDF.

Deployment

 * JGSDF Anti-aircraft Artillery (Advanced) Training Unit (高射教導隊) since 2003
 * JGSDF Eastern Army (Japan) 2nd Anti-aircraft Artillery Group (第2高射特科群) at Camp Matsudo in Matsudo, Chiba since 2007
 * JGSDF Central Army (Japan) 8th Anti-aircraft Artillery Group (第8高射特科群) in Ono, Hyōgo since 2008