Japan Deploys First Indigenous Long-Range Missile System Amid Rising Regional Security Threats

Tokyo. Amid intensifying regional security challenges, Japan is moving forward with the deployment of its first domestically developed long-range missile system. The process to deploy the upgraded Type-12 land-to-ship missile system has reached its final stage after launchers were brought to Camp Kengun in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, late Monday night.

Japan is taking this step as part of its strategy to further strengthen its defense capabilities in light of growing regional tensions and security risks. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara announced that the upgraded Type-12 missiles would be deployed at Camp Kengun by the end of March.

However, detailed information regarding the deployment has not been made public. Vehicles carrying the missile launchers and other military equipment arrived at the camp under extreme secrecy in the middle of the night. Some local residents gathered outside the camp to protest this move, displaying banners with slogans such as 'Stop the deployment of long-range missiles.'

Opposition parties and local administrations have expressed dissatisfaction over the move, citing a lack of transparency. They voiced concerns that such a deployment could further escalate regional tensions and potentially make the local area a target for military strikes.

Kumamoto Governor Takashi Kimura complained that the prefectural administration was not formally informed, telling reporters, "The prefecture was never formally informed about this. It is extremely disappointing to learn about it only through media reports."

Japan has accelerated this missile deployment as part of its plan to expand military infrastructure in the southwestern region. Taking into account the changing regional environment around Taiwan, Japan has been progressively strengthening its security preparations. In line with this, the Ministry of Defense arranged last year to move up the missile deployment schedule by about one year.

The upgraded Type-12 missile, developed and produced by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, has a strike range of approximately 1,000 kilometers (620 miles). This range has been significantly extended from the previous capacity of about 200 kilometers (125 miles).

It is reported that this missile system will have the capability to reach the Chinese mainland from Japan's main islands. This same missile system is also planned for deployment later this year at Camp Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture, west of Tokyo.

In recent years, Japan has been progressively strengthening its security posture in consideration of the regional security situation. As part of this, security infrastructure has been expanded on the southwestern islands near the East China Sea. PAC-3 interceptor systems and medium-range surface-to-air missile systems have also been progressively deployed on islands including Okinawa, Ishigaki, and Miyako.

Last month, Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced plans to deploy a medium-range surface-to-air missile system on Yonaguni, a western Japanese island east of Taiwan, by March 2031. 

Prime Minister Takaichi has committed to reviewing Japan's security and defense policies by the end of this year. Her government aims to further strengthen the Japanese military through unmanned combat systems and long-range missiles.

Meanwhile, the government is reportedly preparing to ease strict restrictions on the export of lethal weapons in the coming weeks. A policy to expand Japan's defense industry and increase military cooperation with allied nations has been put forward according to a proposal recently presented by Prime Minister Takaichi's party and ruling coalition partners.