Japan is set to accelerate the deployment of its long-range missiles by one year, according to an announcement from the country’s Defense Ministry on Friday. This decision reflects Japan’s intensified efforts to enhance its strike-back capability in light of escalating regional tensions, particularly with China and North Korea.
Under the revised timeline, the first batch of the domestically developed Type-12 anti-ship missiles will be stationed at Camp Kengun, located in Kumamoto Prefecture, by March 2026. The Type-12 missile boasts a range of approximately 1,000 kilometers (about 620 miles), allowing Japan to strengthen its defensive posture in the face of increasing assertiveness from neighboring nations.
Concerns regarding China’s naval activities have grown, particularly following the sighting of two Chinese aircraft carriers operating near southern Japanese islands in June 2023. In addition to China, Japan is also grappling with rising tensions from North Korea and Russia. This shift in military strategy marks a significant departure from Japan’s post-World War II pacifist constitution, which had previously restricted the use of military force to self-defense.
Strategic Shift in Military Policy
In 2022, Japan adopted a new five-year security strategy that identifies China as its primary strategic challenge. The strategy emphasizes a closer alliance with the United States and outlines plans for a more proactive role for Japan’s Self-Defense Forces. To support this transition, Japan is increasing its military expenditure to 2% of GDP by 2027, up from approximately 1% currently.
The accelerated missile deployment coincides with the Defense Ministry’s request for a record 8.8 trillion yen (around $59.9 billion) for the fiscal 2026 budget. This funding will focus on long-range missiles and drones aimed at countering threats from China, North Korea, and Russia. Until domestically produced missiles are fully operational, Japan plans to deploy U.S.-developed Tomahawks later this year.
In addition to missile systems, the ministry is also prioritizing the deployment of unmanned drones for surveillance and defense purposes. These include air, sea-surface, and underwater drones designed to protect Japan’s coastlines. The initiative comes at a time when Japan faces challenges related to an aging and declining population, which has contributed to an understaffed military.
As Japan navigates these complex security dynamics, the country is taking significant steps to bolster its defense capabilities. The shift not only reflects a response to immediate threats but also marks a historic transformation in Japan’s military policy, signaling a commitment to a more robust national defense strategy.
