American Typhon systems may appear in Japan: Details
Japan’s flag (Getty Images)
The United States is interested in deploying the Typhon medium-range missile system in Japan to conduct joint military exercises and strengthen security in the region, according to Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth at a defense conference in Virginia.
During her visit to Japan last month, Wormuth discussed the possibility of deploying a multidisciplinary task force, which would include the Typhon missile system, with Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara. She emphasized that any decision depends on the pace set by the Japanese government.
The deployment of these missile systems was previously prohibited by the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty between the United States and Russia. It is also known that Typhon systems are capable of hitting military targets at a distance of up to 5,500 kilometers. Their deployment in Japan could give the United States the ability to strike military facilities in China, Russia and North Korea if necessary.
The article notes that the Typhon missile system can launch Tomahawk and SM-6 cruise missiles, making it a key element of defense and deterrence of aggression, especially in the South China Sea and Taiwan, where China is stepping up its military activity.
The deployment of such complexes will be the first case of deployment of intermediate-range ground-based missiles after the US withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in 2019.
Japan currently denies the possibility of deploying such missiles. Various Western media outlets explain this by saying that the deployment of such systems could become a target of China's missile arsenal. However, The Japan Times reports that discussions are currently underway between Tokyo and Washington to strengthen defense cooperation between the two countries.
Military cooperation between United States and Japan
Military cooperation between the United States and Japan is a key part of their post-World War II alliance. The United States provides the country with security guarantees, having more than 50,000 military personnel at bases in Japan, including on the island of Okinawa. Cooperation includes joint military exercises, technology exchange, and modernization of Japan's defense systems.
Particular attention is paid to countering threats from North Korea and deterring China's military activity, especially around Taiwan and in the South China Sea. The United States and Japan are working together to strengthen regional stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
The need to strengthen cooperation has also arisen against the backdrop of threats from Russia, which have become even more pronounced after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Recently it became known that the Japanese Ministry of Defense has requested a record budget due to the threat from Beijing.
At the same time, the United States and China have recently held talks at the level of combatant commanders to stabilize the tense situation in the South China Sea.
