Japan has conducted its first live-fire test of a Tomahawk cruise missile from one of its navy’s guided missile destroyers.
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Kongo-class guided missile destroyer JS Chokai fired the missile at an undisclosed location somewhere in the Pacific Ocean.
As per a press statement issued by Japan’s Ministry of Defense (MoD), the successful test-firing was conducted on Wednesday, with the Japanese destroyer being supported by U.S. Navy assets and personnel.
It stated: “The destroyer Chokai, currently deployed to the United States, conducted a live-fire test of a Tomahawk missile…The test confirmed that the missile was capable of being launched, including the proficiency of the crew.”
It added: “This live-fire test demonstrates steady progress in the Tomahawk project, and the Ministry of Defense will continue to work towards the early establishment of stand-off defence capabilities.”
In a separate statement the JMSDF’s Chief of Staff of the Maritime Staff Office said as far as he was aware, Japan’s extensive Tomahawk procurement programme was proceeding as expected.
Admiral Akira Saitō stated: “The JMSDF’s procurement plan has, from the outset, been to acquire up to 200 Block IV Tomahawk missiles between fiscal years 2025 and 2027, and up to 200 Block V missiles during fiscal years 2026 and 2027, for a total of up to 400 missiles.
“There has been no change to this procurement plan… Whether the programme is proceeding exactly according to plan is closely related to the quantities involved, so I would prefer not to comment on the details. However, I am not aware of any changes to the planned schedule.”
- You can read more details on the Japanese Ministry of Defence website
