The Reality of Counterattack Capability Demonstrated by the Japan-U.S. Joint Exercise with the Ground Self-Defense Force's Type-25 Missile in 2026
Tanaka TakashiFirst Participation of the Ground Self-Defense Force's Type-25 Missile in 2026, Demonstrating Counterattack Capability in Japan-U.S. Joint Exercises
On October 3rd, a briefing on the Type-25 surface-to-ship guided missile was held at the Kengun Garrison in Kumamoto City, targeting approximately 220 local residents. The Ministry of Defense did not show live ammunition but unveiled the launchers and explained the larger missile body compared to conventional types. What is noteworthy here is not just the equipment unveiling. The missile launchers are scheduled to participate for the first time in the Japan-U.S. joint integrated exercise 'Keen Sword,' which will take place over 11 days starting from October 19.
The Significance of a Range of Approximately 1,000 km
The Type-25 is said to have a range of about 1,000 km, covering a wider maritime area than conventional surface-to-ship missiles used for island defense. When launched from Kumamoto, the focus is not on targeting specific vessels alone but on creating uncertainty in the operations of enemy vessels around the First Island Chain, including the southwestern islands. If the Ground Self-Defense Force receives target information and connects with the sensors of the Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military, this will become part of a decentralized maritime denial network rather than just an anti-ship capability of ground forces.
However, it has been reported that this exercise will not involve live firing, but will be limited to sharing target information and confirming launch procedures. Therefore, the reported counterattack capability does not immediately imply practical strike capability. The real challenge lies in whether the movement of launchers, command during communication disruptions, target identification, and political decision-making can be connected within minutes.
Integration of Alliances and Vulnerabilities of Bases
In Keen Sword, in addition to Self-Defense Force facilities, six airports and ten ports nationwide will be used, with participation from seven countries, including Australia and Canada. Incorporating the mobility deployment of the Type-25 into this framework indicates Japan's transition from possessing missiles to operating within the operational network of allies and partner nations. This is also linked to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's Aegis destroyers gaining Tomahawk cruise missile capabilities in terms of role-sharing.
However, residents of Kumamoto have expressed concerns that the deployment of missiles may make the region a target for attacks. Even if the Ministry of Defense explains the existence of the equipment, if it cannot address assumptions of damage during combat or evacuation plans, the deployment for deterrence creates political vulnerabilities. If we consider capabilities and intentions separately, while the capabilities of the Type-25 have expanded in range, the intentions of the Japanese government regarding the conditions under which it would decide to use them are still not sufficiently shared.
The true test is not whether the missile can fly far, but whether target information, alliance coordination, and civilian protection can be established as a single operation.
Sources
- Kyodo News, Japan SDF to incorporate long-range missiles into drill with U.S. in Oct.
- NHK WORLD-JAPAN, Briefings on missile deployment held in Kumamoto
- NHK WORLD-JAPAN, Japan, US set for large-scale field training exercise
- The Mainichi, Japan-US drill to start October to involve Japan's long-range missiles
On October 3, 2026, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force held a briefing on the Type-25 anti-ship guided missile for about 220 residents in Kumamoto City. The Type-25 missile launchers are set to participate in the Japan-U.S. joint exercise 'Keen Sword' starting October 19, which will last for 11 days. The missile has a range of approximately 1,000 km, raising concerns among local residents about potential targeting.
- Type-25 missile briefing held for approximately 220 residents in Kumamoto City on October 3, 2026.
- Type-25 missile launchers will participate in the Japan-U.S. joint exercise 'Keen Sword' from October 19 for 11 days.
- The Type-25 missile has a range of approximately 1,000 km, covering a wider area than traditional anti-ship missiles.
- Concerns raised by local residents about missile deployment making the area a potential target.
- The exercise will not involve live firing but will focus on information sharing and launch procedures.