The security landscape in the Indo-Pacific is making a significant shift as Japan signed a landmark deal with the United States to acquire 400 long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles on Thursday. It is seen as a major step towards Japans military capabilities and deterring regional security threats posed by China and North Korea in the region.日本向けTLAM「トマホーク」ミサイルの歴史的な調達と訓練が始まり、日米同盟は未来へ向けて動き出した。おかげで共同抑止力がより効果的で信頼性の高いものとなる。これはインド太平洋の平和と安定に向けた戦略的な勝利である。 https://t.co/8MtXfNd8yQ— ラーム・エマニュエル駐日米国大使 (@USAmbJapan) January 18, 2024Japans policy shiftJapans government has embarked on a path of enhanced military preparedness after the persistent growth of Chinas military assertiveness and North Koreas nuclear ambitions. Japan is actively equipping itself with modern weaponry With a commitment to doubling its defense spending to the NATO standard of 2% of GDP by 2027,What is special about the tomahawk missileThe United States has approved a USD 2.35 billion deal which includes two variants of the Tomahawk missiles – 200 Block IV and 200 upgraded Block V versions. These powerful missiles can be launched from warships and can hit targets 1,600 kilometers away.The conclusion of this signing starts the procurement of the Tomahawk missiles, declared the Japanese defense official, highlighting the critical nature of this deal. Through the sound implementation of the (defense) budget, we will extensively strengthen our defense capacity, he added.The commitment to strengthen the power of Japan is further amplified by Japans decision to approve a record-breaking defense budget of USD 56 billion for the next fiscal year. Meanwhile, Japans pacifist constitution still restricts offensive military action, however, the nations revised security and defense policies explicitly acknowledge the increasing challenges posed by China.US Ambassador lauds JapanSpeaking at a press conference, US Ambassador Rahm Emanuel applauded Japans defense modernization efforts. As aggressors grow more and more belligerent, Japan is at the forefront of countries rallying to protect peace and prosperity by raising the costs of aggression, he stated.Furthermore, Japan is actively collaborating with the US and other allies through joint military exercises and increased regional partnerships. At a separate news conference, US Ambassador Emanuel commended Japans rapid progress in strengthening its military and bolstering the US-Japan alliance. He said, Japan has joined the United States, Australia, South Korea, and many other regional partners in an aligned vision of how to promote peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and meet the challenges head-on.Emanuel emphasized the US commitment to deterring potential aggression through its strengthened partnership with Japan, stating, There is a new Japan emerging, a more competent Japan.
