Long-range Missiles Deployed at Japanese Self-Defense Force Bases for 1st Time, Boosting Standoff Capabilities

The Yomiuri Shimbun

17:25 JST, March 31, 2026

Long-range standoff missiles were deployed at Self-Defense Forces bases for the first time on Tuesday.

Viewed by the government as a key part of Japan’s counterattack capabilities, the missiles are aimed at enhancing Japan’s deterrence against China and North Korea, which are intensifying their military activities.

With the latest deployment, the equipment can be used to directly destroying enemy bases in the event of an attack on Japan, marking a major turning point for the country’s defense policy, which had previously been based around strategies for defending against enemy attacks.

The missiles deployed at the Ground Self-Defense Force’s Camp Kengun in Kumamoto Prefecture are Type-25 surface-to-ship missiles.

The Defense Ministry had previously referred to them as upgraded Type-12 surface-to-ship missiles, but changed the designation to coincide with the deployment.

The missile has a stated range exceeding 1,000 kilometers, capable of reaching North Korea and coastal areas of China. In addition to directly destroying enemy bases and other facilities where missiles are being launched toward Japan, it also enables attacks on enemy vessels attempting to invade Japan from distant land-based locations.

Self-propelled mobile launchers will be used and positioned according to the tactical situation. More of these missiles will be deployed in fiscal 2026.

Type-25 hyper velocity gliding projectiles, another model of standoff missile, were deployed to Camp Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture also on Tuesday.

It has a range of several hundred kilometers and flies at supersonic speeds at high altitudes, making it difficult to intercept. Modifications to extend its range are planned.

Type-25 surface-to-ship missiles will also be deployed at the camp in fiscal 2027.

China and North Korea are proceeding with the development and deployment of hypersonic weapons, which fly at speeds of at least five times the speed of sound and travel on irregular trajectories.

Now that Japan possesses standoff missiles capable of striking launch sites, the government hopes this will make neighboring countries hesitate before attacking Japan.

The ministry plans to also deploy Type-25 hyper velocity gliding projectiles at Camp Kamifurano in Hokkaido and Camp Ebino in Miyazaki Prefecture in fiscal 2026.

Additionally, in fiscal 2027 it will equip Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer with ship-launched Type-25 surface-to-ship missiles and Air Self-Defense Force fighter jets with air-launched variants.

“This is an extremely important move for strengthening our deterrence and response capabilities,” Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said at a press conference following Tuesday’s cabinet meeting.

The ministry held a briefing for the governor of Kumamoto Prefecture and representatives of residents’ associations in March ahead of the deployment, but no briefing was held for the general public.

About 50 members of a citizens’ group protested the deployment, in front of Camp Kengun on Tuesday.

Counterattack capabilities refer to the ability to strike back within the enemy’s territory in the event of a missile attack — or similar incident — on Japan. The concept was incorporated into the National Security Strategy when it was revised in 2022.

While the government rules out preemptive strikes, which are prohibited under international law, it allows for the exercise of these capabilities even before damage is incurred — for instance, once the aggressor begins preparations to launch missiles.