Japan successfully fired a U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missile from the Aegis-equipped destroyer JS Chokai on July 29, marking the country's first live operational launch of the weapon from a surface combatant. The milestone advances Tokyo's effort to build a credible long-range maritime strike capability and strengthens allied deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. The live firing confirmed the successful integration of the Tomahawk weapon system aboard the Kongo-class destroyer after months of ship modifications, software integration, and operational training conducted in the United States. The launch demonstrates that the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force has reached a key operational milestone in fielding stand-off precision strike capability, expanding its ability to engage high-value targets at extended ranges in support of Japan's evolving defense strategy. Read more.
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| The firing validates both the successful integration of the missile and the crew's ability to conduct live operations, paving the way for the ship's return to Japan later this year and its assignment to Sasebo Naval Base. (Picture source: Japanese MoD) |