TOKYO --- Japan Ministry of Defense (JMOD) / Japan Self-Defense Force will strengthen its stand-off defense capabilities in order to disrupt and defeat the forces invading Japan early and from far away.
In order to swiftly build this capability, JMOD / JSDF is, first of all, working towards the prompt procurement of indigenous stand-off missiles.
In addition, as announced in October of last year, the Government of Japan has also decided to procure Tomahawk, which is complementary the indigenous stand-off missiles, one year ahead of schedule.
We are pleased to announce that we have concluded a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) for the acquisition of Tomahawk missiles and related equipment with United States Government under a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement, which was signed at the Ministry of Defense on Thursday, January 18, 2024, in the presence of Mr. KIHARA, Minister of Defense of Japan, and His Excellency Mr. Rahm EMANUEL, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States to Japan.
Acquisition of the missiles will occur between JFY 2025 and JFY 2027.
We will continue to promote the procurement of various stand-off missiles and work for early building of stand-off defense capabilities based on the Defense Buildup Program.
(EDITOR'S NOTE: The Tomahawk order, for 400 missiles (200 Block IVs and 200 Block Vs) is worth approx. $1.7 billion after Japan reviewed downwards its original request to the United States)
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