The United States has formally informed Japan that the delivery of 400 Tomahawk cruise missiles will face considerable delays. This decision stems from the need for Washington to replenish its own missile stockpiles, which have been significantly depleted due to military operations in Iran.
In May 2026, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth conveyed this message directly to Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi. Initially, Japan expected to receive the first shipment by April 2028, but this timeline could now extend by as much as two years.
Japan entered a contract worth $2.35 billion in 2024 for these missiles as part of an effort to enhance its counterstrike capabilities against threats from China and North Korea. The acquisition plan comprised two batches of 200 missiles each. This strategic move aimed to provide Japan with long-range strike capabilities that it has lacked since the end of World War II.
#What Are the Implications of Operation Epic Fury?
The extensive use of Tomahawk missiles has been highlighted during the early phases of the US military conflict with Iran, termed "Operation Epic Fury." Reports indicate that over 850 Tomahawk missiles were utilized in those initial operations, illustrating the scale of expenditure. In comparison, Japan’s entire order of 400 missiles is less than half of the quantity fired during just the opening phase of this conflict.
#Why Did Japan Pursue These Missiles?
Japan’s decision to pursue Tomahawk missiles is rooted in evolving geopolitical dynamics. For many years, Japan's military stance was strictly defensive, influenced by its constitution and political culture, relying heavily on the United States for security. However, with the acceleration of China's military build-up and North Korea's frequent missile testing, Japanese leadership recognized the necessity of counterstrike capabilities.
The $2.35 billion investment in Tomahawk missiles represents a critical step in Japan's shift towards a more proactive military stance, allowing for responses to threats at their source.
#How Does This Delay Affect Allied Military Readiness?
The conflict in Iran has raised concerns about the implications for allied military readiness. If 850 Tomahawk missiles can be utilized in the opening stages of a single conflict, the potential consequences for stockpiles during simultaneous engagements, such as in the Taiwan Strait or Korean Peninsula, are significant.
For Japan, the delay poses a vulnerability in its defense strategy. The counterstrike capability initially expected by the late 2020s may not materialize until 2030 or beyond, creating a gap in defense preparedness. Additionally, prior to the Tomahawk deal, Japan had already been exploring options for domestically produced standoff missiles. This delay could hasten those developments into a national priority, ensuring Japan stays prepared in an uncertain security environment.