Overview
- The Aegis-equipped JS Chokai completed a U.S. refit in San Diego to fire U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missiles, with MSDF Vice Adm. Yoshihiro Goka and U.S. Third Fleet Commander Vice Adm. John Wade marking the milestone at a base ceremony.
- The Maritime Self-Defense Force plans a live-fire test off San Diego by August to prove the ship and crew can operate Tomahawks, a long-range cruise missile designed for precision land attack.
- Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said the capability aims to reduce the chance of attacks on Japan and would be used only if Japan is attacked, as Chinese defense officials criticized the step as expanding offensive reach.
- Once fully mission capable, Chokai will be the first Japanese Aegis destroyer to operate Tomahawks, with plans to equip seven more Aegis destroyers and two Aegis System Equipped Vessels now under construction.
- Chokai is due to return to its Sasebo homeport around September after U.S.-based trials, as Japan moves ahead with a 400-missile Tomahawk buy that it began receiving in 2024.