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?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US continues to review AUKUS submarine deal as HII ticks off new Virginia-class sea trials]()
US continues to review AUKUS submarine deal as HII ticks off new Virginia-class sea trials
The initial sea trials for Virginia-class SSN 798 conducted by Newport News Shipbuilding division and the US Navy marked an “important step”, but the ongoing AUKUS review casts a shadow over what the progress means for the partner nations.
-
![US Navy seeks AI software suppliers to bolster air and missile defence]()
US Navy seeks AI software suppliers to bolster air and missile defence
The US Navy is conducting market research to find AI software products for the Collaborative Integrated Air and Missile Defence Planning Programme.
-
![Turkey’s Goksur naval missile completes first live-fire intercept]()
Turkey’s Goksur naval missile completes first live-fire intercept
The Goksur will be available in a range of configurations and could be integrated into Turkey’s nascent Steel Dome which is designed to provide multi-layered protection against a range of aerial targets from mortars to aircraft.
-
![US Navy confirms Q2 FY2026 contract award for Tomahawk Block V modernisation]()
US Navy confirms Q2 FY2026 contract award for Tomahawk Block V modernisation
The agreement with Raytheon will comprise the acquisition and delivery of maritime seeker suite technologies and processing capabilities for 35 to 96 missiles.
