Overview
- The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s destroyer JS Chokai conducted a live-fire Tomahawk launch on Wednesday, and the Defense Ministry announced the test confirmed the missile reached its intended target.
- Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency officials said the exercise verified the ship’s modified systems and crew proficiency and that no further shipboard Tomahawk live-fire tests are planned.
- The U.S. Navy provided the test range, monitored sea and airspace, and supported planning while Japanese personnel carried out the launch under joint oversight.
- Tokyo plans to buy up to 400 Tomahawk missiles with deliveries of Block IV and Block V rounds scheduled through fiscal 2027, and about 113.6 billion yen has been approved to add launch capability to five Aegis destroyers.
- The test advances Japan’s shift to ‘standoff defense’ under its revised security strategy by giving Aegis ships long-range precision strike options while Tokyo also pursues domestic long-range missiles and future vessel upgrades.