Japan upgrades destroyer with Tomahawk missiles. Why it might pose a threat to China

Japanese destroyer JS Chokai has been equipped to fire long-range Tomahawk missiles, with the first firing test expected this summer.

Photo: Commander, US Third Fleet Japan has upgraded a naval vessel with capabilities to fire long-range Tomahawk missiles, with the first firing test expected this summer – a move experts said would pose a security threat to China.

The Aegis destroyer Chokai “completed modifications and crew training” in the US that started in October, “confirming its acquisition of Tomahawk missile launch capabilities”, Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said on Friday.

He said a ceremony marking the acquisition of these capabilities had been held on board the Chokai, with Japanese and American officials attending.

Koizumi added that the ship was scheduled to conduct live-fire tests in the US by summer, then return to Japan around September.

The Chokai is the first ship to be upgraded with Tomahawks as part of a broader Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) plan to equip all of its Aegis destroyers with the US-made missiles.

Tomahawk missiles, which are being used in the US attacks on Iran, have a range of over 1,600km (994 miles), according to the US Navy – close enough to cover North Korea and reach deep inside China from the western Pacific.

Japan signed a deal to purchase 400 Tomahawk missiles in 2024.

Chinese authorities have not yet commented on the upgrade.

Beijing and Tokyo have been concerned about each other’s growing defence prowess amid rising tensions in recent years. “To defend against incoming missiles while preventing further armed attacks, Japan must possess the capability to launch an effective counter-attack – a counterstrike capability.

Long-range missiles can be used for this counterstrike capability,” Koizumi said.

He added that missile capabilities in the region had improved in both quality and quantity, making it increasingly difficult to address this threat using only the existing missile defence network.

Further fuelling Beijing’s concerns, the JMSDF has revamped its organisational structure to accelerate decision-making and improve ship operations, abolishing the Fleet Escort Force and establishing a new Fleet Surface Force to centrally command and control surface vessels.

Chinese analysts have said this reflects a shift towards quasi-carrier operations and preparations for a potential conflict with Beijing.

The official newspaper of the People’s Liberation Army last week condemned Japan’

原文链接: 南华早报