Japan's Bold Move: First Homegrown Long-Range Missiles Set for Deployment

Japan is on the verge of deploying its first domestically developed long-range missiles, marking a significant shift in its military strategy. With the upgraded Type-12 missiles set to be stationed at Camp Kengun, concerns about regional tensions and transparency have emerged. As Japan enhances its military capabilities in response to perceived threats from China, the implications of this deployment could reshape the security landscape in the region. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's commitment to revising defense policies further underscores Japan's proactive stance in bolstering its military presence.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 9, 2026, 13:19 IST

Japan's Military Expansion

Tokyo: Japan is gearing up to deploy its inaugural set of domestically manufactured long-range missiles, with the arrival of launchers at an army base on Monday. This move is part of Japan's strategy to enhance its offensive capabilities amid increasing regional tensions.

The advanced Type-12 land-to-ship missiles are scheduled to be stationed at Camp Kengun in Kumamoto Prefecture by the end of March, marking the completion of their deployment, as stated by Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara.

Early morning saw army vehicles transporting launchers and related equipment to the camp in a covert operation, which has drawn criticism from local residents who protested outside the facility.

Critics have raised concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the deployment, arguing that it could heighten tensions and make the missiles potential targets for attacks.

Last year, the Defence Ministry expedited the deployment timeline by a year, responding to the military buildup in the southwestern region as China intensifies its activities around Taiwan, an island that Beijing claims.

The upgraded Type-12 missile, developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, boasts a range of approximately 1,000 kilometers, allowing it to reach mainland China, a significant increase from the original missile's 200-kilometer range.

Following this deployment, the missiles will also be stationed at Camp Fuji in Shizuoka, located west of Tokyo, later this year.

Japan perceives China as an escalating security threat and is actively enhancing its military presence on southwestern islands near the East China Sea. The country has already deployed PAC-3 interceptors and midrange surface-to-air missiles on several islands, including Okinawa, Ishigaki, and Miyako.

Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced last month that midrange surface-to-air missiles would be deployed on Yonaguni, Japan's westernmost island, by March 2031.

Tensions have further intensified following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks shortly after her appointment, suggesting that any Chinese military action against Taiwan could trigger a Japanese military response.

Takaichi has committed to revising Japan's security and defense policies by the year's end, aiming to strengthen the military with unmanned combat systems and long-range missiles.

Additionally, her administration is poised to lift restrictions on lethal arms exports in the coming weeks to foster the growth of Japan's defense industry and enhance collaboration with allied nations, based on a proposal from her party and its coalition partner.