Japan Conducts First Missile Test on Its Own Soil

Japan’s military announced on Tuesday that it carried out its first-ever missile test on Japanese territory. The test involved the Type-88 surface-to-ship short-range missile and took place at the Shizunai Anti-Air Firing Range in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island.

The exercise was conducted by the Ground Self-Defense Force’s 1st Artillery Brigade, with around 300 soldiers participating. They fired the missile at an unmanned boat approximately 40 kilometers (24 miles) off the southern coast of Hokkaido. Officials are still analyzing the results of the test.

This demonstration comes amid Japan’s efforts to bolster its military capabilities, including acquiring strike-back capabilities as a deterrent against China. The country plans to deploy long-range cruise missiles, such as Tomahawks, starting later this year.

Although Japan has previously tested missiles overseas, including in collaboration with defense partners like the United States and Australia, this marks its first missile test conducted entirely on Japanese soil.