Japan to make bulk purchase of Tomahawk cruise missiles

The Japanese government has decided to make a bulk purchase of American-made Tomahawk cruise missiles for the next five years as part of its defense strategy against China’s anti-access/area denial capabilities. The Defense Ministry plans to deploy the missiles as part of its counterstrike capabilities starting from fiscal 2026. The ministry intends to buy the Tomahawk missiles under the Foreign Military Sales program. The goal is to achieve reliable and early deployment while also reducing the unit cost by concluding a large contract.

180918-N-VG727-1129 PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 18, 2018) A tomahawk cruise missile launches from the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86) for a live-fire exercise during Valiant Shield 2018. Valiant Shield is a U.S. only, biennial field training exercise (FTX) with a focus on integration of joint training in a blue-water environment among U.S. forces. This training enable real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces through detecting, locating, tracking, and engaging units at sea, in the air, on land, and in cyberspace in response to a range of mission areas. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William Collins III)


The Tomahawk missile procurement is part of the Japanese government’s plan to develop a counterattack capability to bolster its defense against potential threats, including those from China’s area access/anti-access (A2/AD) capabilities. The missile system, which can be launched from naval vessels and fighter jets, has been in service with the U.S. military since 1983. The Defense Ministry also plans to extend its range of attack with the Type 12 surface-to-ship guided missile, which will be deployed in fiscal year 2026 as a ground-launched missile, fiscal year 2028 as a ship-launched missile, and fiscal year 2030 as an air-launched missile.

The purchase of the Tomahawk missiles is expected to provide Japan with a critical defense capability to deter Chinese military actions. Japan believes that the purchase of the Tomahawk missiles is necessary to maintain its security and defend its territorial integrity.

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