Japan's new military strategy includes $2.35 billion missile deal with U.S.

The U.S. Department of Defense has agreed, in principle, to a potential sale of 400 Raytheon RGM-109E Tomahawk Block IV and Block V missiles, 14 sets of the Tactical Tomahawk Weapon Control System (TTWCS), software, auxiliary equipment, spare parts and technical support to Japan. If the estimated $2.35 billion transaction comes to fruition, Japan stands to significantly enhance its offensive capabilities.

A new national security strategy was ushered in by the government of Fumio Kishida by the conclusion of 2022. This move deviates from Japan's post-war policy of exclusive self-defense, recognizing escalated threats to national security. This acknowledgment is attributed to escalating tensions in East Asia, China and North Korea's accelerated armament, and Russia's strategic maneuvers.

Escalation in regional security issues prompted Japan to reassess their defense capabilities, and necessitated concrete measures to bolster them. This includes a pronounced interest in the American Tomahawk missile system. Also noteworthy, technic difficulties in the deployment of the indigenously produced Type 12 SSM anti-ship missiles likewise contributed to this shift towards external solutions.

Currently, modifications are in progress to boost the range of these missiles from approximately 124 miles to around 745 miles (rounded values). However, it is recognized as a time-intensive process and thus, the enhanced weaponry will likely only be ready for deployment by the Japanese army by 2026. As such, Tomahawk missiles, with a range of up to 994 miles (rounded value), could provide a necessary stopgap, equipping Japan with the capability, if required, to launch strikes against remote enemy bases and command and control nodes.

The Pentagon, in its released statement, shed light on the strategic significance of this sale. It noted, "The proposed sale will improve Japan's ability to meet current and future threats by providing a conventional long-range land-land missile of significant range that can neutralize increasing threats.” It was added, "This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major ally, which is a force for the political stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific region."

Physically, the Tomahawk missiles are approximately 18 feet long, with a diameter of 20.5 inches and a weight of 2899 pounds. They have an average lifespan of 30 years and carry either conventional or nuclear payloads. The range extends from 777 miles to nearly 1553 miles, contingent on the model. The specific versions Japan may acquire, which are 200 RGM-109E Block IV missiles and 200 Block V missiles, have a range of over 994 miles.