Japan’s Defense Minister signed a contract to purchase 400 Tomahawk missiles from the United States to enhance its military capabilities in response to security threats from China, North Korea, and Russia.
The missiles will complement Japan’s indigenous stand-off missiles, and the acquisition is expected to take place between fiscal years 2025 and 2027.
The purchase reflects escalating tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, prompting smaller countries like Japan to seek assistance from the U.S.
“In order to swiftly build this capability, JMOD / JSDF is, first of all, working towards the prompt procurement of indigenous stand-off missiles,” the Japan Ministry of Defense stated.
“In addition, as announced in October of last year, the Government of Japan has also decided to procure Tomahawk, which is complementary the indigenous stand-off missiles, one year ahead of schedule,” the statement added.
“We are pleased to announce that we have concluded a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) for the acquisition of Tomahawk missiles and related equipment with United States Government under a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement, which was signed at the Ministry of Defense on Thursday, January 18, 2024, in the presence of Mr. KIHARA, Minister of Defense of Japan, and His Excellency Mr. Rahm EMANUEL, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States to Japan,” the Ministry of Defense noted.
“We will continue to promote the procurement of various stand-off missiles and work for early building of stand-off defense capabilities based on the Defense Buildup Program.”
Additionally, concerns have been raised about North Korea’s military cooperation with Russia, leading to a trilateral meeting among U.S., Japan, and South Korea officials to address the issue.
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