Japan's Ministry of Defense Showcases "Type 25 Anti-Ship Missile" in Japan-U.S. Joint Military Exercises
According to news from Japan on the 25th, the Japanese Ministry of Defense showcased the Ground Self-Defense Force's "Type 25 Anti-Ship Missile," which is participating in the large-scale joint military exercise "Iron Sword 27" with the United States, and conducted related training.
Reports indicate that this is the first time the "Type 25 Anti-Ship Missile" has been deployed in a large-scale exercise since its deployment to the Kengun garrison in Kumamoto Prefecture in March of this year. The Ground Self-Defense Force conducted pre-launch training activities that included raising the launch device and other operations. However, no live-fire launches were conducted during the exercise.
It is reported that residents near the exercise area expressed a desire for the Ministry of Defense to provide prior explanations regarding the "Type 25 Anti-Ship Missile" exercises. Meanwhile, several civic groups have called on the Ministry of Defense to halt the exercises, hold briefings for residents about the exercise content, and thoroughly implement accident prevention measures.
It is noted that the "Type 25 Anti-Ship Missile" is regarded as one of Japan's first missiles capable of "attacking enemy bases," with a range of approximately 1,000 kilometers, far exceeding Japan's territorial limits.
The military exercise has sparked widespread concern and opposition in Japan
Japan and the United States are conducting the large-scale joint military exercise "Iron Sword 27" from October 19 to 29 in various locations across Japan, involving a total of nearly 60,000 troops. This exercise has triggered widespread concern and opposition in Japan. According to recent reports from Japan, since October, there have been consecutive protests in Okinawa, Nagasaki, Oita, and other areas, demanding the cancellation of the exercises and the cessation of military training at civilian facilities. Many civic groups have pointed out that this action by Japan and the U.S. will only exacerbate regional tensions and put local residents in danger.
Japan's Self-Defense Forces demonstrated the Type 25 anti-ship missile during the 'Iron Sword 27' joint military exercise with the U.S. on October 25, 2023, in Kumamoto. This marked the first large-scale use of the missile since its deployment in March 2023. Although training was conducted, no live-fire exercises took place. The exercise involved around 60,000 personnel and has sparked local protests against military activities in civilian areas.
- Japan's Ministry of Defense showcased the Type 25 anti-ship missile during the 'Iron Sword 27' exercise.
- This was the first large-scale exercise for the Type 25 missile since its deployment in March 2023.
- No live-fire exercises were conducted during the demonstration.
- Local residents expressed concerns and requested prior notification from the Ministry of Defense regarding the exercise.
- The exercise involved approximately 60,000 personnel from Japan and the U.S.