Historic First: Japanese Destroyer to Be Armed with 1,000-Mile Tomahawk Missiles

[Starmix]

According to the report, the US Navy is hosting Japan’s Aegis destroyer JS Chokai for a yearlong training and upgrade program to integrate Tomahawk cruise missiles, a first for the Japanese fleet.

The report stated that the deployment follows a January 2024 agreement between Tokyo and Washington to acquire 400 Tomahawk missiles.

Japan’s Ministry of Defense said that JS Chokai successfully carried out a dummy Tomahawk loading drill at Yokosuka before departing for the US.

The report added that the destroyer carries 90 strike-length Mk 41 vertical launch cells, usually packed with SM-2 surface-to-air missiles, SM-3 interceptors, and VL-ASROC anti-submarine weapons.

Additionally, these launchers are already compatible with Tomahawk, giving Chokai a smoother path to integration. It also said that additional armament will include a 127mm gun, two Phalanx close-in weapons, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and torpedo tubes.

Source: NextGen Defense


JS Chokai (DDG-176) docked at Yokosuka Naval Base during preparations for a Tomahawk missile integration. Photo: Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force

 

[gwolf666]

What is happening with the Japanese destroyer JS Chokai is a historic step for military cooperation between Japan and the United States. For me, the most significant aspect is that, for the first time, the Japanese fleet will integrate Tomahawk missiles, significantly expanding its offensive and deterrent capabilities. Personally, I believe this year-long training and upgrade program reflects the seriousness of the agreement signed in 2024 to acquire 400 missiles and demonstrates how Japan is adapting its defense to an increasingly complex environment. Interestingly, the Chokai already has 90 compatible Mk 41 cells, facilitating the transition without the need for major modifications. Furthermore, its additional armament—a 127mm gun, Phalanx systems, Harpoon missiles, and torpedoes—makes it a versatile platform. Ultimately, I think this integration will mark a new chapter in regional security.