The Type 03 Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (03式中距離地対空誘導弾), commonly referred to in Japanese as Chū-SAM (中SAM), is a domestically developed air-defence system intended to replace the MIM-23 Hawk, following its replacement requirement issued in 1983. While several NATO nations pursued a common successor to the Hawk and Patriot systems through the MEADS programme, Japan declined participation due to its arms export restrictions. As a result, the JSDF independently initiated the research and development of a domestic SAM system in 1995 to bridge the capability gap between the long-range Patriot and the short-range Type 81. The TADS and TEL units of the Type 03 are based on an MHI/Kato NK-series heavy crane truck chassis, forming the system’s primary radar and launcher components. Despite being the heaviest elements, they remain fully self-propelled, unlike the Hawk. Supporting elements emphasise mobility and networked operation: the command vehicle is based on the Type 73 truck, while relay and fire-control vehicles use the HMV platform. Improvements in mobilisation and system integration also reduced the personnel required for a single SAM battery from roughly 50 to about 20 operators.

The Type 03 TADS radar employs a phased-array antenna capable of detecting up to 100 targets and tracking up to 12 simultaneously, providing 360° azimuth coverage with 80° elevation and a maximum detection range of up to 100 km. A single radar vehicle integrates search, tracking, and fire-control functions and is equipped with advanced ECCM capabilities.

The Type 03 Chū-SAM was introduced in Update 2.53 "Line of Contact". Further scaling up from Type 93 to Type 81, it represents Japan’s longest-range mobile SAM system. While its non–thrust-vectoring missile results in a relatively large minimum engagement range of approximately 3–4 km, the Type 03 is otherwise a highly lethal system when operating beyond this limitation. As an ARH-only SAM, the multi-vehicle system will be considered inoperable if the TADS is destroyed.