Japan accelerates procurement of Tomahawk missiles
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force now expects to receive its first Tomahawk missiles in FY2025, under an accelerated schedule. (Photo: DoD)
Faced by a rough neighbourhood, Japan is accelerating plans to obtain Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Japan is fast-tracking efforts to obtain Tomahawk land attack cruise missiles from the US, as it simultaneously develops indigenous stand-off missiles.
Newly installed Defense Minister Minoru Kihara said on 4 October, following a meeting with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, that Tomahawk missiles would reach Japan a year earlier than originally scheduled.
The MoD then announced the following day that the Self-Defense Force ‘will strengthen its stand-off defence capabilities in order to deter and eliminate the invasion force into Japan at an early and distant stage. In light of the more severe security environment, Minister of Defense Kihara instructed us
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Singapore’s navy starts naval patrols with uncrewed vessels]()
Singapore’s navy starts naval patrols with uncrewed vessels
The unmanned patrol vessels have utilised collision-avoidance AI and expertise from Western allies in their design and construction.
-
![US Navy seeks the best combinations of crewed vessels with commercial UAVs and USVs]()
US Navy seeks the best combinations of crewed vessels with commercial UAVs and USVs
The service will conduct Operation Southern Spear to identify the most appropriate manned/unmanned formations for domain awareness and counternarcotics operations.
-
![Learning from Japan: how to transform a fleet at speed]()
Learning from Japan: how to transform a fleet at speed
At a recent event in London, lessons were shared based on the experiences of the Japanese Navy and how it has been building a fleet rapidly.
-
![Lockheed Martin wins contract to build the Trident II D5 Life Extension missile]()
Lockheed Martin wins contract to build the Trident II D5 Life Extension missile
The company will also invest in new production facilities to service the ongoing need for the D5LE2.
