US ally plans long-range missile test amid China and Russia threats

US ally plans long-range missile test amid China and Russia threats

The Japanese are enhancing their anti-ship capabilities by acquiring indigenous and American missiles.

In a regional context marked by growing geopolitical tensions, the Japan Self-Defense Forces will conduct long-range anti-ship missile launch exercises in their own territory, a decision that represents a clear signal to China and Russia, whose vessels continue to sail in waters close to the Japanese archipelago. Photo: USMC – Cpl. Davin Tenbusch According to the Japanese Ministry of Defence, the annual anti-ship missile launch training will tak…

Japan Embraces More Assertive Posture With Domestic Type 88 Missile Tests to Confront Chinese Expansion in Asia-Pacific

Japan is preparing to launch a domestically developed long-range missile from its own territory for the first time in its postwar history. The upcoming live-fire exercise, scheduled between June 19 and 30, 2025, will involve the Type 88 Surface-to-Ship Missile (SSM-1) or 88式地対艦誘導弾 (SSM-1) and is set to take place near Camp Shizunai in Shinhidaka, on the southern coast of Hokkaido. The drill represents not just a technical milestone, but a symbol…