{"id":86535,"date":"2026-03-30T13:38:59","date_gmt":"2026-03-30T13:38:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/navytimes\/uncategorized\/2026\/03\/30\/japanese-destroyer-can-now-fire-tomahawk-missiles-extending-nations-combat-punch\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T01:35:38","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T01:35:38","slug":"japanese-destroyer-can-now-fire-tomahawk-missiles-extending-nations-combat-punch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/navytimes\/news\/your-navy\/2026\/03\/30\/japanese-destroyer-can-now-fire-tomahawk-missiles-extending-nations-combat-punch\/","title":{"rendered":"Japanese destroyer can now fire Tomahawk missiles, extending nation\u2019s combat punch"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

MANILA, Philippines \u2014 The Japanese destroyer JS Chokai is now capable of launching U.S. Tomahawk cruise missiles, making it the first Japanese warship that can strike targets beyond 1,000 kilometers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This development marks a key shift in the country\u2019s defense strategy. Japan committed to acquiring 400 Tomahawks last year to equip its eight Aegis destroyers as part of a larger standoff capability, which includes fielding upgraded Type 12 missiles in the southwest and deploying hyper velocity gliding projectile systems across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The existing missile defense network may not be fully capable of responding to threats, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi told reporters in a briefing on Friday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTo prevent missiles flying through the missile defense network and to prevent further armed attacks, it is necessary to \u2026 have the ability to counterattack. Stand-off missiles can also be used for this counterattack ability,\u201d Koizumi said.<\/p>\n\n\n\t