Japan is preparing to install a ground-to-ship missile system on its easternmost island in the Pacific Ocean for the first time, aiming to enhance its national defense.
On 24 Mar 2026 GMT+7, Japan's NHK news agency reported that the Ministry of Defense plans to deploy a ground-to-ship missile system on Minamitorishima Island in the Pacific Ocean for the first time, with installation expected as early as June this year.
The ministry plans to build a launch pad for the Type-12 missile system of the Ground Self-Defense Force on Minamitorishima Island, with live-fire exercises scheduled to start in fiscal year 2027 or later.
These missiles have a range exceeding 100 kilometers. The deployment will include missile launchers, medium-sized drones for target location, and systems to collect and analyze radio waves emitted from ships.
However, the actual missile warheads will not be brought to the island at this time. The ministry intends to use the equipment to test and verify that the missile system can operate normally on the island.
Minamitorishima Island lies about 2,000 kilometers southeast of Honshu, Japan’s main island, and is part of Tokyo’s Ogasawara Islands. The island is staffed only by personnel from the Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Japan Meteorological Agency, with no permanent residents.
This recent move comes as Japan continues to strengthen its Pacific Ocean defense following the first simultaneous passage of two Chinese Navy aircraft carriers into the Pacific in June last year.
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Source:nhk