Japan, U.S. advance integrated deterrence with early Tomahawk delivery

Concern over China, North Korea pushes countries to speed up missile defense

Japan is acquiring Tomahawk cruise missiles from the U.S. to bolster its defense. © Reuters

YUSUKE TAKEUCHI, Nikkei staff writer

October 7, 2023 03:05 JST

WASHINGTON -- Japan and the U.S. are bolstering an integrated deterrence strategy in the Asia-Pacific, deploying Tomahawk missiles and surveillance drones to counter growing security challenges from China and North Korea.

On Wednesday, Japanese Defense Minister Defense Minister Minoru Kihara told U.S. counterpart Lloyd Austin that Tokyo will acquire Tomahawk cruise missiles from the U.S. in fiscal 2025, a year ahead of schedule.