The Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces are strengthening their stand-off defense capabilities in order to intercept and eliminate invading forces against Japan at a rapid pace and at long range. In order to quickly build this capability, we are currently working towards the early acquisition of domestically produced stand-off missiles, and as a supplement to this, we plan to acquire Tomahawk missiles between fiscal years 2025 and 2027.
We are pleased to announce that the destroyer Chokai will be deployed to the United States from late September 2025 to mid-September 2026. With the support of the U.S. Navy, the ship will undergo vessel modifications and crew training, and is scheduled to acquire Tomahawk missile launch capabilities during fiscal year 2025. Furthermore, by around summer 2026, we plan to conduct live-fire tests and other activities to confirm the ship’s readiness to engage in actual missions, including the proficiency of its crew.
Prior to its departure, on September 25, 2025, the ship conducted training with Tomahawk dummy munitions at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Yokosuka Base with the support of the U.S. Navy. The training was conducted to familiarize the ship with the procedures required for Tomahawk operation and to confirm the safety management system.
The Ministry of Defense appreciates the recent deployment and training in the United States as evidence of steady progress in the Tomahawk program, and will continue to work toward the early establishment of stand-off defense capabilities.