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U.S. Removes Typhon Missile Launchers From Japan’s Iwakuni Base

Japan’s defense bureau notified Iwakuni city after the temporary deployment lingered past September drills.

Overview

  • Kyodo reported the removal and Japan’s regional defense bureau informed city officials, with the Japanese Embassy in Moscow confirming the withdrawal was completed.
  • The ground-based Typhon system was first brought in for the U.S.–Japan Resolute Dragon exercises held September 11–25 and was expected to leave about a week later.
  • The extended stay to at least November 10 triggered objections from local civic groups who urged Tokyo to press Washington for prompt removal.
  • Russia formally protested in late October over the launcher’s continued presence and warned it could take compensatory measures.
  • Typhon can fire SM-6 and Tomahawk missiles with a reported range of about 1,600 km, and no official reason was given for the delay, which some local analysts speculated could be linked to a U.S. government shutdown.