The Japanese Ministry of Defense announced that a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer has completed retrofitting at a U.S. Navy shipyard to enable the ship to launch “Tomahawk” cruise missiles. This retrofitting is part of Prime Minister Sanae Takai’s government’s efforts to strengthen military capabilities and enhance deterrence.
According to Nikkei Asia, the Japanese destroyer JS Chokai, after completing live-fire tests, is scheduled to return to Japan in mid-September this year. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force considers long-range missile capability as crucial for its retaliatory capabilities.
This retrofitting is part of Japan’s strategy to introduce missiles outside its defense zone, allowing the Japanese military to strike beyond the range of enemy attacks, thereby enhancing deterrence.
The range of “Tomahawk” missiles can reach approximately 1,600 kilometers. Deploying these missiles on agile destroyers can deter enemy attacks.
The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force is also working to enhance its long-range missile capabilities. The upgraded Type 12 “surface-to-ship” missiles are planned to be deployed at the Kenju garrison in Kumamoto Prefecture on Tuesday, March 31.
According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, the crew of the Japanese destroyer JS Chokai, after training in San Diego, will conduct test firings of powerful “Tomahawk” cruise missiles in the waters near Southern California this summer.
This exercise signifies further deepening of the long-standing military alliance between the United States and Japan. As the threats from the Chinese Communist Party in the Indo-Pacific region continue to grow, both the U.S. and Japan aim to maintain peace in the vast Indo-Pacific region and ensure smooth maritime routes.
Last year, Japan publicly committed to purchasing at least 400 American-made “Tomahawk” missiles.
According to NHK, the Japanese Ministry of Defense and related officials have stated that to enhance the defense system on the Pacific side, the ministry plans to deploy Type 12 surface-to-ship missiles for the first time on Nanshi Island in the Ogasawara Islands in Tokyo as early as June this year. They aim to initiate shooting training by the 2027 fiscal year.
Amid increasing Chinese military pressure on Taiwan in recent years, it has raised concerns in Japan. Prime Minister Sanae Takai stated that if China were to attack Taiwan, Japan could face a threat to its survival. Therefore, the Takai government has been actively promoting Japan’s defense policies. In December last year, the Japanese parliament approved a supplementary budget for the fiscal year 2025, increasing defense spending to 2% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), two years ahead of the original plan.