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According to a Defence Ministry official, Japan plans to establish a training site for surface-to-ship missile launches on Minamitori Island, a remote Pacific island. This initiative aims to bolster Japan's long-range strike capabilities in response to China's military activities. Local officials have been informed about the plan, which targets operational readiness by fiscal 2026. Minamitori Island, Japan's easternmost island, is about 1,900 kilometres southeast of Tokyo. If implemented, this would be Japan's first training site for missiles with a range exceeding 100 km. The site may also host exercises for the upgraded Type-12 land-to-ship guided missile, which has an extended range of approximately 1,000 km and is expected to be deployed in fiscal 2025.
Japan planning to build missile training site on Pacific island
Japan plans to build a training site for surface-to-ship missile launches on a remote Pacific island, a Defense Ministry official said Thursday, in its latest effort to strengthen the nation's long-range strike capabilities amid China's military assertiveness.