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Japan is considering deploying long-range missiles on the southwestern island of Kyushu as part of its efforts to establish a “counterstrike” capability to target enemy positions in case of an emergency.
This was reported by Kyodo, citing government sources.
The deployment is expected to begin at the end of the next fiscal year in March 2026, aiming to strengthen security in the southwestern Nansei Islands, a strategically significant region due to its proximity to Taiwan. Concerns are growing amid the possibility of Chinese military aggression against Taiwan.
China views Taiwan as a rebellious province that must be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary.
Japanese authorities are evaluating potential missile deployment sites, as local residents are concerned they could become targets for enemy attacks, sources told the publication.
According to them, the missiles could be stationed at the air defense regiment garrisons of the Self-Defense Forces in Yufu, Oita Prefecture, and in the city of Kumamoto.
The southern Okinawa Prefecture, which is closer to mainland China, is unlikely to be chosen for deployment due to concerns that it could escalate tensions with Beijing, the sources added.
The missiles to be deployed are an upgraded version of the GSDF Type 12 surface-to-ship guided missile, with an extended range of up to 1,000 kilometers.
Deploying these missiles on Kyushu would enable Japan to cover coastal areas of North Korea and China within their strike range.
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