Japan conducts first live-fire Tomahawk test from JS Chokai

Published Jul 30, 08:24 AM UTC

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.