Japan has deployed long-range missiles in its southwestern region of Kumamoto, close to China, marking a significant step in strengthening its defence posture amid escalating regional tensions.
Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi confirmed Tuesday that the missiles, installed on the southern island of Kyushu, are intended to bolster Japan’s ability to counter potential threats and protect personnel. The surface-to-ship guided missile system has a range of roughly 1,000 kilometres (620 miles), putting major Chinese cities, including Shanghai, within reach.
Koizumi also revealed the deployment of a “hyper-velocity gliding projectile” in Shizuoka, a coastal area near Tokyo, aimed at defending Japan’s remote islands from potential incursions.
Japan has historically maintained a strictly self-defensive military policy, but recent years have seen Tokyo expand its capabilities in response to heightened military activity by regional powers including China, Russia, and North Korea. A 2022 defence plan approved the deployment of missiles with counter-attack capabilities, acknowledging that relying solely on ballistic missile defence may be insufficient against modern threats.
The missile deployment comes amid a series of territorial and geopolitical disputes with China, including disagreements over the Senkaku Islands (known as Diaoyu in China), and follows tensions sparked by comments from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggesting Japan could intervene in the event of an attack on Taiwan.
The move has prompted criticism at home, with some local residents protesting the delivery of missile launchers to Kumamoto without prior notice, citing concerns that the area could become a target in any future conflict.
Japan’s government maintains that the measures are defensive, aimed at deterrence and strengthening response capabilities in a region facing increasing military uncertainty.
