TOKYO (AP) — Japan deployed its first long-range missile at a southwestern army camp Tuesday as the country strengthens its offensive capabilities amid regional security concerns.
The upgraded Type-12 land-to-ship missiles, developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, became operational at Camp Kengun in Kumamoto prefecture. The missiles have a range of about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles), extending from the 200-kilometer (125-mile) range of the original model, allowing them to reach mainland China.
Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said the deployment strengthens Japan’s deterrence and responsiveness, demonstrating the country’s ability to defend itself. The long-range capability provides “standoff” capacity, enabling strikes on enemy bases from a distance and marking a shift from Japan’s traditional self-defense-only policy under its pacifist constitution.
Residents near Camp Kengun protested the deployment, citing concerns over increased regional tension and potential targeting by adversaries.
Also Tuesday, Japan deployed a hypersonic glide vehicle at Camp Fuji in Shizuoka prefecture. Further deployments of upgraded Type-12 missiles and hypersonic glide vehicles are planned in Hokkaido, Miyazaki, and other locations by March 2028.
Japan plans to equip the destroyer JS Chokai with U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missiles with a 1,600-kilometer (990-mile) range later this year, and eventually deploy them on seven additional destroyers.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Cabinet approved a record defense budget exceeding 9 trillion yen ($58 billion) for the fiscal year starting April, aiming to enhance strike-back capability and coastal defense with cruise missiles and unmanned systems.
Japan has cited China as its primary regional security threat and has fortified southwestern islands near the East China Sea in recent years. Last June, Japan detected two Chinese aircraft carriers operating near remote Japanese islands simultaneously for the first time. Koizumi also announced a new office dedicated to monitoring China’s military activity in the Pacific.
Tensions have increased since Takaichi stated in November that Chinese military action against Taiwan could justify a Japanese military response.
