Japan to deploy long-range missiles on island near China, DPRK

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News Websites
16 Mar 2025 11:09
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Japan is upgrading its Type 12 land-to-ship missiles to extend their range beyond 1,000 kilometers (621 miles), allowing them to strike targets from a safer distance.

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An MV-22 Osprey takes off as Japan Ground Self-Defense Force guards the landing zone during a joint military drill with U.S. Marines in Gotemba, southwest of Tokyo, on March 15, 2022. (AP)

Japan is planning to deploy long-range missiles on Kyushu Island in an effort to bolster its defense capabilities, Kyodo News reported on Sunday, citing government sources.

The deployment, set for March 2026, aims to enhance security in the Nansei island chain, a strategically significant area near Taiwan amid rising tensions with China.

Tokyo is considering stationing the missiles at Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force garrisons in either Yufu or Kumamoto in Oita Prefecture. However, the plan may face opposition from local officials and residents, who fear that hosting the missiles could make their region a target in a potential conflict.

Okinawa Prefecture, despite being geographically closer to China, is unlikely to be chosen to avoid escalating tensions with Beijing.

As part of its defense strategy, Japan is upgrading its Type 12 land-to-ship missiles to extend their range beyond 1,000 kilometers (621 miles), allowing them to strike targets from a safer distance. These upgraded missiles are expected to serve as an alternative to the Aegis Ashore missile defense system, which Tokyo scrapped in 2020 due to safety concerns.

Deploying these missiles in Kyushu would enable Japan to reach coastal areas of China and the DPRK, reportedly reinforcing its strike capabilities in the region, Kyodo News noted.

US approves $3.64bln sale of missiles to Japan

In January, the US State Department approved a potential $3.64 billion sale of advanced AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 air-to-air missiles, and related equipment to Japan, according to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

"The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Japan of AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $3.64 billion," the agency announced in a statement on Thursday.

Japan has reportedly requested 1,200 AIM-120 missiles as part of this potential deal. The statement added that the sale aims to strengthen Japan’s capabilities to address current and future threats while advancing US foreign policy and security objectives.