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
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly 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
-
![BAE Systems to restore USS Carter vessel]()
BAE Systems to restore USS Carter vessel
The Harpers Ferry class ship’s hull, internal fuel and ballast tanks, and engineering plant will receive preservation or restoration work over the next year.
-
![Northrop Grumman’s Manta Ray completes testing]()
Northrop Grumman’s Manta Ray completes testing
Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation was selected in 2021 to build and test and Manta Ray unmanned underwater vehicle (UUVs). A second platform has been under development by PacMar Technologies.
-
![Steel to be cut for first Polar Security Cutter this year, claims US Coast Guard commandant]()
Steel to be cut for first Polar Security Cutter this year, claims US Coast Guard commandant
The delivery of the first PSC was initially scheduled for 2024, but the design phase of the programme was delayed multiple times.
-
![US Navy takes delivery of New Jersey SSN]()
US Navy takes delivery of New Jersey SSN
The USN’s Virginia-class SSNs are replacing the old Los Angeles-class SSNs. The Virginia-class SSNs are fitted with the latest sensors and weapons and around 48 submarines are planned, with a total of 38 currently ordered.
-
![VARD and Fincantieri launch Resilience ship family to target Norway’s standardised vessel needs]()
VARD and Fincantieri launch Resilience ship family to target Norway’s standardised vessel needs
VARD and Fincantieri’s announcement to launch the VARD Resilience series came only weeks after Norway’s new long-term 2025–36 defence plan.
