Tokyo has deployed Japan’s first long-range missiles as the country works to boost its defense capabilities, Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced on March 31.
Koizumi told reporters that the upgraded Type 12 surface-to-ship guided missiles were set up at Kengun Garrison in Kumamoto Prefecture, according to a transcript of the press conference.
He also said that upgraded Type 12 high-speed glide missiles for island defense have been deployed to Fuji Garrison in Shizuoka Prefecture.
The minister described it as Japan’s first deployment of domestically-produced “stand-off” missiles. This means they can strike enemy missile bases from afar instead of merely intercepting missile strikes, marking a departure from Japan’s self-defense-only policy, which follows the country’s post-World War II pacifist constitution….
Japan Deploys First Long-Range Missiles as Tokyo Boosts Defense Capabilities
