Korean Media: Japan Deploys Offensive Long-Range Missiles… "Self-Defense Only" Principle Faces Turning Point
¬ Deployed at 2 locations including Kumamoto Garrison… Aiming to narrow the military gap with China
The Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) have formally deployed long-range missiles capable of attacking enemy bases, marking a major turning point in Japan's long-standing principle of "exclusive defense"—the idea that force may only be used in response to an attack. Long-range missiles are weapons designed to strike enemy land targets or naval vessels and other missile installations. Japan plans to use these missiles to destroy launch sites before an adversary completes its attack—specifically, if the enemy has already begun preparations for launching or has just completed launching.
On March 31, according to *Asahi Shimbun*, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force began deploying long-range missiles at two locations: the Kōshū Garrison in Kumamoto Prefecture and the Fujinomiya Garrison in Shizuoka Prefecture. The deployment in Kumamoto includes the Type 12 modified shore-to-ship missile, with a range of approximately 1,000 kilometers, capable of reaching coastal areas of China and waters surrounding Taiwan. In Shizuoka, the deployment consists of high-speed glide bombs designed for island defense with variable flight trajectories; currently with a range of several hundred kilometers, this system is planned to be upgraded to reach 2,000 kilometers through future improvements. These high-speed glide bombs will also be deployed at the Utoro Garrison in Hokkaido and the Esashi Garrison in Miyazaki Prefecture.
This long-range missile deployment is based on the revised "Security Three Documents" finalized at the end of 2022. Originally scheduled for deployment in the late 2020s, the plan was accelerated due to China’s ongoing military expansion.
Beyond the Ground Self-Defense Force, both the Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces are also speeding up their deployment of long-range missiles. The Maritime Self-Defense Force is upgrading its Aegis-equipped ships to carry U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missiles, and crew training has already been completed. With a range of about 1,600 kilometers, the Tomahawk is expected to enter formal operational use around September at the Sasebo base in Nagasaki Prefecture following overseas test launches. This marks the first time the JSDF—not U.S. forces stationed in Japan—will directly operate Tomahawk missiles. Meanwhile, the Air Self-Defense Force is acquiring Norway-made JSM cruise missiles. Recently, the first physical JSM missile has been received, and preparations are underway to integrate it onto the latest F-35A stealth fighters.
Japan’s goal in deploying long-range missiles is to close the military capability gap with China. It is estimated that China possesses around 2,000 land-based missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers—so many that even combined efforts by Japan and the U.S. might struggle to counter them effectively. The Defense Ministry plans to achieve full-scale production and deployment of next-generation long-range missile systems with ranges of 2,000–3,000 kilometers by 2032. JSDF officials told *Asahi Shimbun*: “It is necessary to deter the enemy’s intent, making them realize that attacking Japan would result in significant losses.”
However, some voices caution that challenges such as insufficient missile storage facilities, lack of training grounds, difficulties integrating intelligence between self-defense forces and U.S. forces for long-range attacks, and local public concerns could hinder progress as planned.
Source: Chosun Ilbo
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1861240866230339/
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