Japan has signed a new contract with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) to strengthen its defense capabilities. The contract is valued at 32 billion yen ($216 million) to develop long-range, precision-guided missiles for the Japan Self-Defense Force. The deal is part of Japan’s goal of boosting its long-range missile capabilities in response to growing regional threats in Asia.
Project Details
The contract runs through 2028, with the new missiles expected to be completed in 2032. The missiles will be developed as surface-to-surface and surface-to-ship precision-guided missiles. The Japanese Ministry of Defense said the missiles will be used to “intercept and eliminate invading troops.” However, no details were shared about the missiles’ exact technical specifications. The ministry said the missiles will be able to target vulnerable parts of ships and reach land targets with high accuracy, overcoming Japan’s mountainous terrain.
Japan's Defense Strategy and Budget Increase
The move aims to strengthen Japan’s defense capabilities under the “three white papers” strategy adopted in 2022. The strategy includes the National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy and Defense Development Plan. Japan planned to allocate about 939 billion yen to boost its standoff defense capabilities. This budget includes allocations for Type 12 surface-to-ship missiles for ships, submarine-launched guided missiles and high-speed glide missiles for island defense.
F-35 and Tomahawk Missile Purchases
Japan also plans to purchase joint strike missiles for its F-35A aircraft and joint air-to-surface missiles for its F-15 aircraft. Last year, Japan signed a deal with the US to purchase 400 additional Tomahawk missiles. These missiles and Type 2024 missiles are expected to be deployed in 12, a year ahead of schedule.
Missile Joint Production Projects with the USA
Defense cooperation between Japan and the United States continues unabated. The Japanese Ministry of Defense announced that joint production projects for the AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles were announced during U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s visit to Japan. Hegseth described Japan as “an indispensable partner in deterring Communist China’s military aggression.”
These developments are considered an important step in consolidating Japan's regional security and strengthening its role in the global military balance.
