**Japan Arms Warship with US Missiles Capable of 1,600km Strikes**
*By Akash Pandey | Oct 01, 2025, 05:52 PM*
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**What’s the story?**
Japan is set to upgrade one of its warships with US-made Tomahawk cruise missiles, amid rising military tensions in the region, particularly from China and North Korea. The JS Chokai, a guided-missile destroyer equipped with advanced Aegis technology, is heading to the United States for a year-long deployment. During this period, it will be modified and trained to launch these advanced weapon systems.
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**Strategic upgrade: Missiles capable of striking deep inside China and North Korea**
The Tomahawk cruise missiles, which have a range of approximately 1,600 kilometers, will give Japan the capability to strike targets deep within China or North Korea. This upgrade is part of Tokyo’s broader strategy to bolster its defense spending amid escalating regional threats.
This development follows a deal signed between Japan and the US in early 2024 for the acquisition of 400 Tomahawk missiles.
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**Rising threats**
Japan’s Defense Minister, Gen Nakatani, has described the current security environment as the “most severe and complex” since World War II. The annual white paper released by Japan’s Defense Ministry in July identified China’s military activities as “the greatest strategic challenge” facing the country.
Minister Nakatani emphasized that Beijing is “rapidly enhancing its military capability” while intensifying operations around the region, particularly near disputed territories such as the Senkaku Islands.
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**Dual purpose: Offensive weapons?**
While Japan emphasizes the Tomahawk missiles’ “defense capabilities,” these weapons are widely regarded as offensive. According to a US Navy fact sheet, Tomahawk missiles are designed for “deep land-attack warfare.”
When Japan announced its intention to acquire Tomahawks in 2023, China criticized the move, claiming it violates Tokyo’s post-World War II pacifist constitution, which limits its military strictly to defensive operations.
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**Combat history: What are Tomahawk cruise missiles?**
Manufactured by Raytheon, Tomahawk cruise missiles are renowned for their precision strikes over long distances, even in heavily defended airspace. They can be launched from naval surface ships, submarines, and land platforms. These missiles have seen combat use more than 2,000 times.
Japan’s Defense Ministry plans to have the JS Chokai ready for actual missions by next summer through live-fire testing and other rigorous preparations.
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This upgrade marks a significant shift in Japan’s defense posture, reflecting growing concerns about regional security dynamics.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/japan-to-equip-warship-with-us-made-tomahawks-amid-china-threat/story