A Japanese destroyer has launched a Tomahawk cruise missile for the first time, marking a major milestone in Tokyo’s push to build out its long-range strike capability.
Tomahawk missiles give Japan a new ability to strike targets beyond the reach of some other weapons in its arsenal, equipping it with a proven combat capability that could prove valuable to its naval forces in a potential conflict.
The Japanese Ministry of Defense announced the successful test-fire of a Tomahawk Land-Attack Cruise Missile from the JS Chokai, a Kongo-class destroyer, earlier this week.
“This live-fire test demonstrates steady progress in the Tomahawk project, and the Ministry of Defense will continue to work towards the early establishment of stand-off defense capabilities,” the ministry said in a press release. The test-fire occurred in the Pacific Ocean with support from the US Navy.
Chokai is Japan’s first destroyer equipped to launch Tomahawk cruise missiles. The ship sailed to the US last fall to receive modifications for the weapon and training for its crew.
Prior to departing, Chokai’s crew conducted a mock loading drill with US Navy personnel using dummy Tomahawks. Now, the ship has fired the real thing.
Ahead of the announcement on the successful launch of a Tomahawk, the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force posted on social media that the Chokai was in San Diego, California, “making steady progress every day in training for Tomahawk operations.”
Japan has begun receiving initial deliveries of the Tomahawk missiles it ordered. The total sale of 400 Tomahawks — 200 Block IVs and 200 Block Vs — is expected to be completed next year. Despite reports that diminished US stockpiles following heavy Tomahawk use in the Iran war could impact deliveries, Japan’s defense minister said in May that the ministry did not expect delays or changes to the delivery schedule.
Future Aegis-equipped Japanese destroyers will also be armed with Tomahawk missiles, building off of Tokyo’s larger national defense strategy that emphasizes buying more standoff weapons for striking enemy forces at greater distances.
Tomahawk cruise missiles are made by RTX Corporation. The reach of these long-range weapons depends on the variant. Block IV Tomahawks have an estimated reach of about 1,000 miles, and Block V variants are believed to extend beyond that and feature various additional upgrades.
The JMSDF recently concluded its involvement in the US-led Rim of the Pacific exercise. The first-in-class Kongo destroyer was involved in the training, including in live-fire exercises with Standard Missile-2 weapons. 30 nations participated in RIMPAC, bringing over 30 surface vessels, five submarines, more than 200 aircraft, and around 30,000 personnel.
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