Japan Conducts First Tomahawk Live-Fire Test from JS Chokai Destroyer
On July 29, 2025, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) conducted its first live-fire test of a Tomahawk cruise missile from the Aegis destroyer JS Chokai in the Pacific Ocean, supported by the U.S. Navy. Japan becomes the third country outside the U.S. to fire a Tomahawk from a surface combatant, after Australia and the Netherlands. The test marks a milestone in Japan’s long-range strike capability under its revised National Security Strategy. Japan plans to equip five Aegis destroyers with Tomahawks and is purchasing up to 400 missiles (Block IV and Block V) as a bridge to indigenous weapons.
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Japan Conducts First Tomahawk Missile Launch, Signaling Major Defense Shift
On July 29, 2026, Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force conducted its first live-fire Tomahawk cruise missile launch from the destroyer JS Chokai, a Kongo-class Aegis ship modified in the United States in 2025. Tokyo has procured 400 Tomahawks since 2024, marking a historic shift from Japan's postwar defensive doctrine to a capability for long-range land attack. Japan argues that striking enemy missile sites before they launch constitutes legitimate self-defense, citing China's military modernization and North Korea's expanding arsenal. The Block IV and Block V Tomahawks have a range over 1,000 miles and carry a 1,000-pound warhead. The launch has drawn criticism from China, reflecting heightened regional tensions.
Japan's Navy Conducts First Tomahawk Missile Test, Drawing Chinese Criticism
On July 29, 2026, Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force conducted its first live-fire Tomahawk cruise missile launch from the destroyer JS Chokai, a Kongo-class Aegis ship modified in the United States in 2025. Tokyo has procured 400 Block IV and Block V Tomahawks since 2024, which have a range over 1,000 miles and a 1,000-pound warhead. The test marks a major shift in Japan's postwar defensive doctrine, as Tokyo now argues that striking enemy missile sites before they launch constitutes legitimate self-defense, citing China's military modernization and North Korea's expanding arsenal. The Mk 41 vertical launchers on the Chokai, previously used for air defense and anti-submarine rockets, can now deliver long-range land attack capabilities. China has expressed displeasure over the development.
Japanese Destroyer JS Chokai Successfully Test-Fires Tomahawk Cruise Missile for First Time
The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) conducted the first live-fire test of a Tomahawk Land-Attack Cruise Missile from the Kongo-class destroyer JS Chokai in the Pacific Ocean, with support from the US Navy. This milestone marks the culmination of years of modifications, crew training, and US-Japan cooperation. The destroyer had sailed to the US last fall for retrofitting and mock loading drills. Japan has purchased 400 Tomahawk missiles (200 Block IV and 200 Block V) from RTX Corporation, with deliveries expected to be completed by next year despite earlier concerns over US stockpile depletion. The Block IV variant has an estimated range of 1,000 miles, while Block V extends further. The test is part of Tokyo's broader defense strategy to enhance stand-off strike capabilities, and future Aegis-equipped Japanese destroyers will also be armed with Tomahawks. The JMSDF recently participated in the RIMPAC exercise, which involved 30 nations.
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Japan Has Officially Joined The Tomahawk Cruise Missile Club
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has fired its first Tomahawk land-attack cruise missile from the Kongō-class Aegis destroyer Chōkai in the Pacific Ocean, with support from the U.S. Navy. This marks a significant milestone in Tokyo's efforts to develop a long-range conventional strike capability at sea. Japan becomes the third country outside the U.S. to fire a Tomahawk from a surface combatant, following Australia and the Netherlands. The test, conducted on July 29, 2025 (Japan Standard Time), confirmed the ship's ability to launch the missile and crew proficiency. Japan is purchasing up to 400 Tomahawk missiles (Block IV and Block V variants) at a cost of around $1 billion, as part of its 'standoff defense capabilities' strategy. The missile serves as a bridge capability while indigenous long-range weapons are developed. Additional Aegis destroyers are expected to receive similar modifications.
Japan Fires First Tomahawk Cruise Missile from Destroyer, Joining Elite Club
Japan has successfully fired its first Tomahawk land-attack cruise missile from the Kongō-class Aegis destroyer Chōkai in the Pacific Ocean, marking a major milestone in Tokyo's development of long-range conventional strike capabilities. The live-fire test, conducted on July 29, 2025 (JST) with U.S. Navy support, confirmed the ship's integration and crew proficiency. Japan becomes the third foreign operator to fire a Tomahawk from a surface combatant, after Australia and the Netherlands. The missile acquisition is part of Japan's broader 'standoff defense capabilities' under its revised National Security Strategy, intended to deter attacks while maintaining a defense-oriented policy. Japan is purchasing up to 400 Tomahawk missiles (Block IV and Block V variants) at a cost of around $1 billion. The capability serves as a bridge until indigenous long-range weapons like the upgraded Type 12 anti-ship missile enter service. Additional Aegis destroyers are expected to receive similar modifications in coming years.
Japan Has Officially Joined The Tomahawk Cruise Missile Club
Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has successfully fired its first Tomahawk land-attack cruise missile from the Kongō class Aegis destroyer Chōkai in the Pacific Ocean, marking a major milestone in Tokyo's development of long-range conventional strike capabilities. The live-fire test, conducted on July 29, 2025 (Japan Standard Time) with U.S. Navy support, confirmed the ship's launch capability and crew proficiency. Japan becomes the third country outside the U.S. to fire a Tomahawk from a surface combatant, following Australia and the Netherlands. The missile acquisition is part of Japan's broader 'standoff defense capabilities' under its revised National Security Strategy, aimed at deterrence against regional threats. Japan is purchasing up to 400 Tomahawk missiles (Block IV and Block V variants) for about $1 billion, serving as a bridge capability until indigenous long-range weapons like the upgraded Type 12 anti-ship missile enter service. Additional Aegis destroyers are expected to receive Tomahawk modifications in coming years.
Japan Conducts First Tomahawk Live-Fire Aboard JS Chokai
On July 29, 2026, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) conducted its first live-fire test of a Tomahawk cruise missile from the Aegis destroyer JS Chokai in the Pacific Ocean, with U.S. Navy support. This makes Japan the third country outside the U.S. to fire a Tomahawk from a surface combatant, after Australia and the Netherlands. The test confirmed successful launch procedures and missile flight to target, though operational details were withheld. Japan plans to equip five Aegis destroyers with Tomahawk capability, with a budget of 113.6 billion yen, and is acquiring up to 400 Block IV and Block V missiles via FMS. No further live-fire tests are planned, as integration with the Mk 41 VLS is considered validated. Two new Aegis System Equipped Vessels (ASEVs) are under construction but will not initially have Tomahawk capability.
Japan Conducts First Tomahawk Live-Fire Aboard JS Chokai
Japan's Ministry of Defense announced on July 30 that the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) conducted its first live-fire test of a Tomahawk cruise missile from the Aegis destroyer JS Chokai (DDG-176) in the Pacific Ocean on July 29. The test, supported by the U.S. Navy, makes Japan the fourth country outside the United States to fire a Tomahawk, following the UK (submarine only), Australia, and the Netherlands. The test confirmed launch procedures and missile flight to target. Japan plans to equip five Aegis destroyers with Tomahawk capability, with funding of about 113.6 billion yen ($694 million) approved through fiscal year 2026. No further live-fire tests are planned, as the Mk 41 VLS and Tomahawk systems have extensive U.S. Navy operational records. Japan is also building two new Aegis System Equipped Vessels (ASEVs) expected to operate Tomahawks in the future.
Japan Conducts First Tomahawk Live-Fire Aboard JS Chokai
Japan's Ministry of Defense announced on July 30 that the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) conducted its first live-fire test of a Tomahawk cruise missile from the Aegis destroyer JS Chokai (DDG-176) in the Pacific Ocean on July 29. The test, supported by the U.S. Navy, made Japan the third country outside the U.S. to fire a Tomahawk from a surface combatant, after Australia and the Netherlands. The Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) confirmed the successful launch and missile flight to target but withheld details such as location, target type, and missile variant. The test followed four months of preparation after Chokai acquired launch capability in March 2026. Japan plans to equip five Aegis destroyers with Tomahawk capability, with funding of about 113.6 billion yen ($694 million) approved through fiscal year 2026. No further live-fire tests are planned, as the Mk 41 VLS and Tomahawk systems are already proven. Japan is also acquiring up to 400 Tomahawk missiles (Block IV and Block V) via FMS, with deliveries scheduled through fiscal year 2027.