Japan begins deploying missile launch systems on the easternmost island, Minami-Torishima.
Xinhua News Agency, Tokyo, June 8 (Reporter Li Ziyue, Liang Chen) According to reports from the Japan Broadcasting Corporation, the Japanese Ministry of Defense began transporting missile launchers and other equipment to Minami-Torishima in the Ogasawara Islands on the 8th, in preparation for the construction of a local missile firing range and future live-fire training.
It was reported that on the morning of the 8th, the Japanese Ministry of Defense transported the Ground Self-Defense Force's "Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missile" launchers and medium-sized unmanned reconnaissance aircraft used for target reconnaissance and positioning from a port in Chiba Prefecture to Minami-Torishima via ferry.
Japanese media stated that this will be the first time Japan has deployed Ground Self-Defense Force surface-to-ship missiles to Minami-Torishima, the easternmost remote island. This development is believed to potentially escalate regional tensions, raising widespread concerns and criticism.
According to previous reports from Japanese media, Japan plans to build a firing range for weapons such as the "Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missile" on Minami-Torishima and intends to conduct live-fire training there starting in 2027.
Japan began transporting missile launch systems and reconnaissance drones to Minami-Torishima on June 8, 2023, as part of preparations for constructing a missile firing range and future live-fire training. This deployment marks the first time Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force has stationed missile systems on this easternmost island, raising concerns about increased regional tensions.
- Japan began transporting missile launch systems to Minami-Torishima on June 8, 2023.
- The equipment includes Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missile launch systems and medium reconnaissance drones.
- This marks the first deployment of Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force missile systems to the easternmost island.
- The construction of a missile firing range is planned for live-fire training starting in 2027.
- The move has raised concerns about escalating regional tensions.