Japan Deploys First Long-Range Counterstrike Missiles

Japan's Defense Ministry announced on Tuesday the first deployment of long-range missiles with counterstrike capabilities at two Ground Self-Defense Force bases, marking a notable evolution in the country's military posture amid rising regional tensions.

The upgraded Type 12 surface-to-ship guided missiles, with a range of approximately 1,000 kilometers, were stationed at Camp Kengun in Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan. These weapons, developed domestically by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, extend far beyond Japan's territorial boundaries and enable strikes on distant targets. At Camp Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture in central Japan, hyper-velocity gliding projectiles were equipped at a training unit. These ground-launched systems, designed for island defense, currently reach several hundred kilometers and are slated for upgrades to about 2,000 kilometers. Officials described the move as operationalizing Japan's "enemy base strike" capability, allowing counterattacks on adversary bases if an imminent threat is detected, before any damage occurs to Japanese forces.

Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi emphasized the strategic necessity of the deployment during a press briefing....