TOKYO, Mar 31: Japan has deployed its first long-range missile at a southwestern army camp, marking a major step in bolstering its offensive capabilities and departing from its decades-old defense-only doctrine. The upgraded Type-12 land-to-ship missile, developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, became operational at Camp Kengun in Kumamoto prefecture.
The Type-12, with a range of about 1,000 kilometers—far exceeding the original 200-kilometer system—gives Japan a “standoff” strike capability, enabling it to target adversary bases from afar. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi hailed the move as key to strengthening Japan’s deterrence and responsiveness amid what Tokyo calls the “most severe and complex security environment” since World War II.
The deployment has drawn local protests over fears of escalating tensions and making the area a target. Parallel to this, a hypersonic glide vehicle for island defense has been deployed at Camp Fuji, with plans to station more Type-12 missiles and HGVs at sites including Hokkaido and Miyazaki by March 2028. The government also eyes Tomahawk cruise missiles for multiple Japanese destroyers.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Cabinet approved a record defense budget surpassing 9 trillion yen ($58 billion) as part of a broader effort to deter China, the country’s main security concern—a stance sharpened by heightened Chinese activity near Japan’s southwestern islands. A new office dedicated to monitoring China’s Pacific operations was recently announced.
