Japan plans to deploy long-range missiles through China, media reports
Photo: Japan plans to deploy long-range missiles amid tensions over Taiwan (Getty Images)
Japan considers placing long-range missiles on the southwestern island of Kyushu due to rising tensions around Taiwan, according to Kyodo News.
According to the publication, these measures are part of Japan's efforts to develop "counterstrike capabilities" to target enemy positions in case of an emergency.
The missile deployment, expected to begin at the end of the next fiscal year in March 2026, aims to strengthen the security of the Nansei Islands chain in the southwest of the country, which is strategically important due to its proximity to Taiwan, amid growing concerns that China may invade the island.
Currently, according to journalists, the government is assessing possible missile deployment sites, and local residents are concerned that they may become targets of enemy attacks.
Missiles and their deployment
According to Kyodo News sources, the missiles may be deployed at the ground missile battalions of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces in Yufu, Oita Prefecture, and in Kumamoto city.
"The southern Okinawa Prefecture, which is closer to mainland China, is unlikely to become the deployment site due to concerns that this could escalate tensions with Beijing," the article notes.
The missiles to be deployed are an upgraded version of the GSDF Type-12 surface-to-ship guided missile, with an increased range of 1,000 kilometers.
About island of Kyushu
Kyushu is the third-largest island of the Japanese archipelago. It is bordered by the Japan Sea to the north, the Seto Inland Sea to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the south, and the East China Sea to the west.
Island of Kyushu (Wikipedia.org)
It is worth noting that the missile deployment on Kyushu will allow Japan to reach North Korea and the coastal areas of China.
Japan's preparation for a potential threat from China
In March of last year, Japan expressed serious concern over the growing military ties between China and Russia.
Furthermore, in August 2024, it was reported that Japan's Ministry of Defense requested a record budget due to the threat posed by China. The budget request amounted to 8.5 trillion yen (59 billion dollars) for the upcoming year to strengthen defense on the southwestern islands.
