Japan’s Self-Defense Forces conducted their first test-firing of U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missiles from the Aegis-equipped destroyer Chokai, the Defense Ministry said Thursday.
The test, conducted in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of the United States on Tuesday local time, is part of Japan’s efforts to bolster its defense capabilities.
The Asian country’s national security strategy adopted in 2022 paves the way for Japan to acquire the ability to strike enemy missile bases as a self-defense measure within the bounds of its pacifist Constitution.
The Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer is expected to return to its home port in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture, around September before being deployed to waters around Japan with the missile capability.
All eight Aegis destroyers will be armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles, according to the Defense Ministry
