Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer JS Chokai has carried out the country’s first live test launch of a Tomahawk cruise missile in the Pacific Ocean, with support from the U.S. Navy. The firing took place on 29 July off the coast of the United States and verified that the weapon could be launched under operational conditions by a Japanese crew.
The Ministry of Defence said the trial also confirmed that crew procedures worked as intended during the launch. JS Chokai, an Aegis-equipped destroyer, is among the vessels being prepared for Tomahawk integration as Japan expands its long-range counterstrike and stand-off strike capability under its 2022 security strategy.
The live firing is a key step in that programme, which is intended to give Japan a sea-based strike option beyond its existing defensive posture. Japan is set to equip all eight of its Aegis destroyers with the missile over time, deepening interoperability with US forces while keeping operational control with Japanese personnel. Public disclosure of the test came on 30 July.