Japan has announced plans to deploy long-range missiles on its southwestern island of Kyushu, marking a significant shift in its defense strategy amid escalating regional tensions.
Strategic Deployment on Kyushu
The Japanese government intends to station upgraded Type-12 land-to-ship guided missiles with an extended range of approximately 1,000 kilometers at Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) garrisons in Yufu, Oita Prefecture, and Kumamoto City. This strategic positioning enables the missiles to cover critical areas, including North Korea and China’s coastal regions.
Notably, Okinawa Prefecture, despite its proximity to mainland China, is not slated for missile deployment to avoid further straining relations with Beijing.
Enhancing Counterstrike Capabilities
This initiative is part of Japan’s broader effort to bolster its “counterstrike capabilities” in response to potential regional threats. The deployment aims to deter adversarial actions by enhancing Japan’s ability to target enemy positions in emergencies.
Regional Tensions and Defense Posture
The decision to deploy these long-range missiles comes amid heightened concerns over China’s assertiveness near Taiwan and North Korea’s ongoing missile tests. Japan’s move reflects a strategic shift towards a more proactive defense posture to safeguard its national security interests.
This development underscores Japan’s commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities in a rapidly evolving security environment, signaling a significant policy shift from its post-World War II pacifist stance.
