Japan's Controversial Missile Deployment: A Shift in Defense Strategy

Japan's Defence Ministry has made a significant shift in its military strategy by deploying long-range missiles with counterstrike capabilities at two bases. This move has sparked widespread protests among local residents who fear it could turn their areas into military targets. Critics argue that this development goes beyond Japan's traditional defense-oriented stance and raises concerns about potential violations of international law. As citizen representatives demand transparency and accountability from the government, the debate over Japan's military expansion continues to intensify. Discover the implications of this controversial decision and the public's response in the full article.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 31, 2026, 15:45 IST

Japan Introduces Long-Range Missiles Amidst Public Outcry

Tokyo: On Tuesday, Japan's Defence Ministry announced the operational deployment of long-range missiles equipped with counterstrike capabilities at two Ground Self-Defence Force (GSDF) bases, igniting significant domestic opposition.

The missiles have been stationed at Camp Kengun in Kumamoto Prefecture and Camp Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture, marking a pivotal change from Japan's historically defensive military posture as dictated by its pacifist Constitution, according to reports from various news sources.

At Camp Kengun, the upgraded Type 12 land-to-ship guided missile, capable of reaching approximately 1,000 kilometers, has been introduced, which is perceived as having offensive potential beyond Japan's territorial limits.

Additionally, hyper velocity gliding projectiles have been deployed at Camp Fuji, designed for island defense, with a current range of several hundred kilometers, and plans to enhance this to around 2,000 kilometers.

The concept of 'enemy base strike capability' allows Japan to potentially launch preemptive counterstrikes against adversary bases if an imminent threat is identified. However, experts caution that such actions could breach international law by being classified as preemptive strikes.

Atsushi Koketsu, an emeritus professor at Yamaguchi University, remarked that while the government presents this capability as a deterrent enhancement, it clearly extends beyond mere self-defense.

On the same day, protests erupted in Kumamoto, where local residents gathered near Camp Kengun, brandishing signs that read 'Oppose deployment' and 'No missiles needed.'

Demonstrators voiced fears that the missile deployment could transform their region into a military target and have repeatedly urged the Defence Ministry to conduct public briefings, which have yet to occur.

In a separate meeting in Tokyo, over a dozen citizen representatives confronted Defence Ministry officials, demanding a halt to military expansion, including the missile installations in Kumamoto. Participants criticized the officials for their vague responses and lack of transparency.

Citizen representative Kujirai expressed frustration over the government's 'routine pattern' of citing 'confidentiality' to avoid answering specific inquiries. He also condemned Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's agenda to 'make Japan strong and wealthy,' arguing it represents a dangerous military expansion without proper public accountability.

Another representative, Akira Saito, noted that the responses from government officials were limited. He emphasized the importance of continuing to raise their voices through civic movements and directly questioning Takaichi in parliamentary sessions.