Japan to deploy Type 16 missiles with a range of 1000 km on one of its islands
Japan may deploy anti-ship missiles with a range of up to 1,000 kilometres on the southernmost and third largest island of Kyushu, which can hit targets near North Korea and in the coastal areas of China.
Here's What We Know
This is an upgraded version of the GSDF Type 12 surface-to-ship missile with an extended range of up to 1,000 kilometres. This will allow Japan to keep the coastal areas of North Korea and China at gunpoint.
According to Kyodo, citing government sources, the deployment of the missiles could begin in March 2026. This decision is aimed at strengthening the security of the Nansha archipelago, which is of strategic importance due to its proximity to Taiwan.
Japan's concerns are related to China's possible military aggression against Taiwan. Beijing considers the island to be part of its territory and does not rule out a forceful scenario of its "reunification" with the mainland.
It should be noted that missiles can be deployed in the garrisons of the Self-Defence Forces in Yufu (Oita Prefecture) and the city of Kumamoto. However, the southern prefecture of Okinawa is unlikely to become a deployment site due to fears of worsening relations with Beijing.
Source: Kyodo News
