▲ Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missile (SSM)
The Asahi Shimbun reported today (September 26) that the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force plans to deploy long-range attack missiles capable of reaching the Chinese coast during U.S.-Japan joint military exercises scheduled for October.
Citing multiple Japanese Defense Ministry officials, Asahi reported that firing drills for the Type 12 surface-to-ship guided missiles held by the Self-Defense Force are scheduled to take place at the Oyanohara training ground in Kumamoto Prefecture during "Keen Sword," the largest joint U.S.-Japan exercise set to take place in October.
These missiles were deployed to the Ground Self-Defense Force's Camp Kengun in Kumamoto Prefecture in March of this year. With a range of approximately 1,000 kilometers, they can reach coastal areas of China and waters around Taiwan.
The Keen Sword exercise is conducted under the scenario of a joint U.S.-Japan response in the event that enemy forces attempt to land and attack the Nansei Islands, stretching from the southern tip of Kyushu to the east of Taiwan.
Asahi commented that this marks the first time Japan is deploying long-range missiles capable of striking enemy bases in a drill, marking a new phase in Japan's defense strategy.
In preparation for potential backlash in the region, the Japanese Ministry of Defense plans to hold briefing sessions for local residents at Camp Kengun ahead of the Keen Sword exercises.
While the Defense Ministry explained that the move aims to "enhance deterrence to make potential adversaries abandon attacks," backlash from neighboring countries such as China is anticipated.
China and Russia have previously raised sharp criticisms over the recent U.S.-Japan joint exercise "Orient Shield," during which the U.S. Forces Japan deployed "Typhon," a system equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles with a range of 1,600 kilometers.
The Typhon system was deployed at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's Kanoya Air Base in Kagoshima Prefecture. Launching Tomahawk missiles from this location would place Beijing, China, within range.
Attention had focused on whether the U.S. military's Typhon system would remain at Kanoya Air Base after the conclusion of the exercises, but the Japanese Ministry of Defense announced on September 25 that it plans to withdraw Typhon to its original storage location, Kadena Air Base in Okinawa Prefecture, around the middle of next month.
(Photo provided by Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, Yonhap News)
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