Japan upgrades destroyer with Tomahawk missiles. Why it might pose a threat to China
Analysts say the move marks a fundamental shift in Tokyo’s defence strategy, forcing Beijing to stay on high alert
Japan has upgraded a naval vessel with capabilities to fire long-range Tomahawk missiles, with the first firing test expected this summer – a move experts said would pose a security threat to China.
The Aegis destroyer Chokai “completed modifications and crew training” in the US that started in October, “confirming its acquisition of Tomahawk missile launch capabilities”, Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said on Friday.
He said a ceremony marking the acquisition of these capabilities had been held on board the Chokai, with Japanese and American officials attending. Koizumi added that the ship was scheduled to conduct live-fire tests in the US by summer, then return to Japan around September.
Tomahawk missiles, which are being used in the US attacks on Iran, have a range of over 1,600km (994 miles), according to the US Navy – close enough to cover North Korea and reach deep inside China from the western Pacific. Japan signed a deal to purchase 400 Tomahawk missiles in 2024.
“To defend against incoming missiles while preventing further armed attacks, Japan must possess the capability to launch an effective counter-attack – a counterstrike capability. Long-range missiles can be used for this counterstrike capability,” Koizumi said.