Defence Japan acquiring US Tomahawk cruise missiles

[thomas]

The Japanese government is considering acquiring US Tomahawk cruise missiles to counter regional threats, which could be quite controversial due to the missiles' potential pre-emptive strike capabilities.

The Yomiuri Shimbun daily newspaper was among those reporting on Friday that Tokyo was in the final stages of discussions with the US government over purchasing the medium-range missiles, which are launched from the sea. Asked about the reports, top government spokesperson Hirokazu Matsuno said ministers were "studying" the possibility but nothing had been decided. Hours after Matsuno's comments, North Korea fired another "unspecified ballistic missile" off its east coast, Seoul's military said. The newspaper said the Korean Peninsula would be within range of the missiles, depending on the launch area, citing unidentified government sources.

Japan considering buying US Tomahawk cruise missiles

Purchase likely to prove controversial, as Tokyo seeks to counter growing regional threats

www.theguardian.com

Tomahawk cruise missiles deployed by the United States would do just that because they fly at a low altitude and have a range of about 1,000 miles (1,610 kilometers). Tomahawks have proven capability, with about 2,000 launches in combat. Defense Ministry officials said they were considering purchasing the Tomahawk as a stop-gap measure until a domestically developed missile is upgraded to extend its range from roughly 200 km to about 1,000 km. Plans call for deploying the improved missile from around fiscal 2026. Concerns are being raised that the Kishida administration is using the proposed Tomahawk cruise missile to establish a fait accompli for possessing the capability to attack enemy bases preparing a launch. Even a lawmaker from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party has raised concerns that stronger opposition could arise due to the Tomahawk missile's reputation as an offensive weapon. Japan has inquired about purchasing Tomahawks in the past, but U.S. officials turned a deaf ear to the requests.

Japan trying to run before it can walk on missile purchase choice | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

 

[nice gaijin]

I guess they're still trying to honor Abe's legacy

 

[Petaris]

Aren't the Tomahawks nuclear capable? I thought I remember that they could be armed either with "conventional" warheads or with nuclear ones. Or am I getting them confused with another cruise missile?

Actually, just Googled and apparently it is the Tomahawk that can have a nuclear warhead.

I bet that really would make a few regional bullies a bit wary.

 

[thomas]

Yesterday, Japan signed a deal with the United States to purchase up to 400 Tomahawk cruise missiles as part of its ongoing military buildup in response to increased regional threats. In November, the U.S. approved a USD 2.35 billion sale of two types of Tomahawks — 200 Block IV missiles and 200 upgraded Block V versions. Officials said they can be launched from warships and hit targets 1,600 kilometres (1,000 miles) away.

Japan signs agreement to purchase 400 Tomahawk missiles as US envoy lauds its defense buildup

Japan has signed a deal with the United States to purchase up to 400 Tomahawk cruise missiles as part of its ongoing military buildup in response to increased regional threats

abcnews.go.com

 

[Hiroyuki Nagashima]

As Japan does not have a nuclear warhead to put on Tomahawk, the nuclear attack is impossible.
However, it seems to be usable in a bluff to China and Russia and Kore.

As the Tomahawk seems to have high shooting down rate now, there may be few 400 as it is necessary to put up the war by a saturation attack.