The Japanese military announced on Tuesday that it had conducted missile tests for the first time on the country’s territory.
The Type 88 surface-to-space missile was tested at Shizunai anti-air fire range on the northernmost island of Hokkaido.
Approximately 300 soldiers were involved in the movement by the 1st Artillery Brigade of the Self-Defense Forces on the ground. The soldiers fired on an unmanned boat about 40 kilometres from the coast, authorities said.
Later this year, Japan plans to deploy long-range cruise missiles, including the Tomahawk.
Previously, Japan conducted missile tests overseas, including the territory of its defense partners, such as the US and Australia.
The test was conducted to accelerate military accumulation to strengthen Japan’s strikeback capabilities as a deterrent to China.
According to the Pentagon, China has increased its stockpile of medium-range ballistic missiles that can hit US military bases in Japan.
North Korea is also conducting missile tests, with short-range ballistic missiles being fired into the Sea of Japan.
In April, NATO Chief Mark Latte and Japanese Prime Minister Ischeu I swear It further deepens its military ties and addresses what they see as an increasing threat from China, North Korea and Russia.
