Japan Signs Deal to Purchase 400 US Tomahawk Missiles

Move Comes Amid Growing Regional Threats, Plans to Double Defense Spending by 2027

Japan has signed a deal with the United States to purchase 400 long-range Tomahawk missiles, ramping up its military capacity to counter regional security threats.
The deal comes amid growing military clout from China and nuclear threats from North Korea, leading Japan to plan to double its defense spending to the NATO standard of 2% of GDP by 2027.
The Tomahawk missiles, which have a 1,600-kilometer range, were approved for sale by Washington in November for up to $2.35 billion.
Japan's Defense Minister Minoru Kihara and US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel signed the agreement, with the missiles expected to be acquired between 2025 and 2027.
Japan's move to strengthen its military and alliance with the U.S. has been lauded by Emanuel, who said training of Japanese servicemembers for the Tomahawks will start in March.