Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force has carried out the country’s first live launch of a Tomahawk cruise missile from a warship, firing from the destroyer JS Chokai in the Pacific Ocean off the United States on 29 July 2026. The test, supported by the U.S. Navy and executed by Japanese crew, confirmed the ship could launch the weapon under operational conditions and verified crew proficiency.
The firing forms part of Japan’s push to field long-range strike capabilities under its revised defence posture. JS Chokai had been in the United States since 2025 for modifications and preparation for Tomahawk integration, and Japan has budgeted about $694 million to equip five Aegis destroyers with the missile.
Officials did not disclose the exact test area, the number of missiles launched or the target details. They also did not identify which Tomahawk variant was used. The exercise showed that Japan has moved beyond integration work to shipboard firing trials as it prepares a Tomahawk-equipped surface fleet.