Overview
- The refitted destroyer, certified Thursday in a U.S. Navy Dockside Alignment Test in San Diego, now has Tomahawk launch capability recognized by U.S. 3rd Fleet.
- The Maritime Self-Defense Force plans a live-fire off San Diego by August to confirm the ship’s readiness and crew proficiency.
- Once mission-ready, Chokai becomes the first Japanese Aegis destroyer to field Tomahawks, a low-flying land-attack cruise missile designed to strike targets more than 1,600 kilometers away.
- Tokyo has contracted for 400 Tomahawks and will add the capability to seven other Aegis destroyers and two Aegis-equipped vessels now being built.
- China’s defense ministry called the step a threat to regional stability, while Japan’s defense chief said the missiles are the minimum needed for self-defense and would be used only if Japan is attacked.