The event also marked the first Tomahawk firing by Japan’s Self-Defense Forces. It concluded a program covering ship upgrades, crew training and operational certification.
JS Chōkai left Japan in September 2025 and sailed to San Diego. The Kongō-class destroyer completed its modification and training work in March 2026.
The vessel remained in U.S. waters to prepare for the live-fire test. Japan’s Ministry of Defense expects the ship to return home in September.
Japan signed the intergovernmental Letter of Offer and Acceptance in January 2024. The number of missiles covered by the agreement has not been disclosed.
The U.S. State Department previously approved a potential sale of up to 400 Tomahawks. Japan plans to deploy the missiles aboard Kongō-, Atago- and Maya-class destroyers.
All three classes use the Mk 41 vertical launch system. The launcher supports the integration of Tomahawk cruise missiles across Japan’s surface fleet.
Australia and the Netherlands have also moved to acquire Tomahawks. Their missiles will be deployed aboard guided-missile destroyers or frigates.
RTX is expanding Tomahawk production capacity to support annual output exceeding 1,000 missiles. The higher rate is intended to replenish U.S. stocks and support international deliveries.
