Tokyo
Japan’s army announced on Tuesday that it had conducted a missile test on domestic soil for the first time, marking a significant step in the country’s evolving defense strategy. The Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) carried out the test-firing of a Type-88 surface-to-ship missile at the Shizunai Anti-Air Firing Range in Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s main islands.
The exercise was led by the GSDF’s 1st Artillery Brigade and involved around 300 soldiers. The missile was launched at an unmanned vessel located approximately 40 kilometers (24 miles) off the southern coast of Hokkaido. While officials confirmed the launch, they stated that the results of the test are still under evaluation.
This domestic missile test reflects Japan’s accelerated push to strengthen its military capabilities, particularly in light of rising regional tensions and growing concerns over China’s assertiveness. The move aligns with Tokyo’s broader strategy to develop strike-back capabilities, which include plans to deploy long-range cruise missiles such as the U.S.-made Tomahawks later this year.
Until now, Japan has conducted its missile tests overseas, primarily in cooperation with defense partners like the United States and Australia. Tuesday’s launch represents a departure from that practice and underscores a more assertive posture in Japan’s national defense policy. The decision to test on home soil is also seen as a message of deterrence amid shifting security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region. Japanese defense officials have not ruled out more domestic tests as the country modernizes its defense infrastructure and expands its strategic reach.