Japan tests U.S.-made Tomahawk missile capable of striking regional bases

Japan has conducted its first test launch of a Tomahawk cruise missile, a significant step in bolstering its defense capabilities. The test, carried out by the Maritime Self-Defense Force's Aegis destroyer JS Takayuki, took place in the Pacific Ocean with support from the U.S. Navy.

The Tomahawk is a long-range precision strike missile with a range of 1,600 to 2,500 kilometers, capable of directly targeting missile bases in neighboring countries like North Korea and China. The JS Takayuki is the first Maritime Self-Defense Force vessel equipped to operate the Tomahawk.

Japan's government decided in late 2022 to acquire long-range missiles as part of its "counterstrike capability." The plan involves equipping eight Aegis destroyers with Tomahawk missiles. In January 2024, Japan signed a contract with the United States for the purchase of 400 Tomahawk missiles, with delivery scheduled between 2025 and 2027.

The acquisition of these missiles comes at a substantial cost, with reports indicating Japan spent approximately 169.4 billion yen (about $1.1 billion) for the 400 missiles alone. The cost of modifying the Aegis destroyers to accommodate the missiles is additional. Japan aims to receive up to 200 Block 4 missiles and up to 200 of the upgraded Block 5 models between 2026 and 2027.