A Japanese destroyer has departed for the United States to receive Tomahawk cruise missile systems as Washington strengthens military partnerships with Asian allies against threats from China and North Korea. The JS Chokai will spend one year in American waters for modifications and crew training to operate the weapons, which can strike targets approximately 1,000 miles away. Japan purchased 400 Tomahawks in early 2024 as part of expanded defense spending to address what Defense Minister Gen Nakatani describes as the most challenging security situation since World War II.
The Defense Ministry stated on Tuesday that Japanese Self-Defense Forces are enhancing long-range strike capabilities to counter potential invasions. China criticized the acquisition in 2023 and claimed Japan violated its post-World War II pacifist constitution by purchasing offensive weapons. The ministry plans to complete testing and prepare the Chokai for operations by next summer.
The Defense Ministry stated on Tuesday that Japanese Self-Defense Forces are enhancing long-range strike capabilities to counter potential invasions. China criticized the acquisition in 2023 and claimed Japan violated its post-World War II pacifist constitution by purchasing offensive weapons. The ministry plans to complete testing and prepare the Chokai for operations by next summer.
