Japan will deploy its domestically developed long-range missiles a year earlier than planned, the Defense Ministry announced Friday, as it strengthens its strike-back capability amid rising regional security challenges.
The first batch of Type-12 anti-ship missiles, with a range of about 1,000 kilometers, will be installed at Camp Kengun in Kumamoto by March 2026, the ministry said.
Japan is enhancing its military self-sufficiency to counter China’s growing naval presence and rising tensions from North Korea and Russia. In June, Japan observed two Chinese aircraft carriers operating near its southern islands simultaneously for the first time.
The move marks a shift from Japan’s post-World War II self-defense policy. A 2022 security strategy highlighted China as the main threat and called for a closer Japan-U.S. alliance and expanded roles for the Self-Defense Forces.
Military spending is set to rise to 2% of GDP by 2027. Japan also plans to deploy U.S.-made Tomahawk missiles this year and expand unmanned air, sea, and underwater drones for coastal surveillance.