**Japan Arms Warship with US Missiles Capable of 1,600km Strikes**
*By Akash Pandey | Oct 01, 2025 | 05:52 pm*
Japan is set to upgrade one of its warships with US-made Tomahawk cruise missiles amid rising military tensions in the region, particularly involving China and North Korea.
The JS Chokai, a guided-missile destroyer equipped with Aegis technology, is scheduled for a year-long deployment to the United States. During this period, the vessel will be modified and the crew trained to operate these advanced weapons systems.
### Strategic Upgrade: Extended Strike Capability
The addition of Tomahawk cruise missiles, which have a striking range of approximately 1,600 kilometers, will empower Japan to target locations deep inside China and North Korea. This upgrade is part of Tokyo’s broader strategy to boost its defense capabilities in response to escalating regional threats.
This move follows a significant deal signed between Japan and the US in early 2024, which included the acquisition of 400 Tomahawk missiles.
### Rising Regional Threats
Japan’s Defense Minister, Gen Nakatani, has described the current security environment as the “most severe and complex” since World War II. The Defense Ministry’s annual white paper, released in July, identified China’s military expansion as “the greatest strategic challenge” facing Japan today.
Minister Nakatani highlighted Beijing’s rapid enhancement of its military capabilities and intensified activities particularly around disputed territories such as the Senkaku Islands.
### Offensive or Defensive?
While Japan emphasizes the Tomahawk missile’s defensive utility, these missiles are widely regarded as offensive weapons. According to a US Navy fact sheet, Tomahawks are designed for “deep land-attack warfare.”
When Japan announced its intention to purchase the Tomahawks in 2023, China criticized the decision, claiming it violates Japan’s post-World War II pacifist constitution, which restricts the country’s military operations to purely defensive actions.
### About Tomahawk Cruise Missiles
Manufactured by Raytheon, Tomahawk cruise missiles are known for their precision strike capability from long distances, even within heavily defended enemy airspace. These versatile missiles can be launched from naval surface ships, submarines, and land-based platforms.
Tomahawks have seen combat over 2,000 times, demonstrating their proven effectiveness on the battlefield.
### Preparing for Deployment
The Japanese Defense Ministry plans to have the JS Chokai ready for “actual missions” by next summer. This timeline includes comprehensive live-fire testing and operational training to ensure full combat readiness.
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Japan’s move to arm its warships with Tomahawk missiles marks a significant shift in its defense posture as regional tensions continue to mount. The strategic upgrade reflects Tokyo’s commitment to strengthening its deterrence capabilities in a challenging security environment.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/japan-to-equip-warship-with-us-made-tomahawks-amid-china-threat/story
