Overview
- The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force conducted a live-fire Tomahawk launch from JS Chokai that took place on July 29, 2026, with the Japanese crew executing the launch and the U.S. Navy providing range, monitoring, and support.
- Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency said the test confirmed the ship and crew could complete the required launch sequence and verified the missile’s flight to its intended target.
- Chokai underwent structural upgrades, software integration and crew training in the United States before the launch and is scheduled to return to Japan around September 2026.
- Tokyo plans a phased retrofit to add Tomahawk capability to five of eight Aegis destroyers with about ¥113.6 billion allocated so far, and it has an approved purchase of up to 400 Tomahawk missiles through U.S. Foreign Military Sales.
- Analysts warn U.S. stockpile use in the conflict with Iran could strain deliveries, but Japanese officials say the acquisition schedule remains unchanged and Japan is also developing domestic long-range weapons as a complement.