Japan has begun preparations to deploy its first batch of domestically developed long-range missiles, with launchers arriving at an army camp in Kumamoto Prefecture early Monday, officials said.The upgraded Type-12 land-to-ship missiles are set to be operational at Camp Kengun by the end of March, completing the initial deployment phase, chief cabinet secretary Minoru Kihara confirmed, AP reported.Army vehicles carrying the launchers and related equipment arrived past midnight in what was described as a highly secretive operation. The move drew criticism from local residents, with dozens gathering outside the camp, shouting “Stop long-range missile deployment!” and holding protest banners.“The prefecture has never been notified,” Kumamoto Governor Takashi Kimura told reporters. “It is extremely disappointing that we learned this from media reports.” In response, the regional defense bureau in Kyushu announced plans to invite local representatives for an equipment exhibit at the camp next week, ahead of the full deployment on March 31. No town hall meetings are planned.The defense ministry had moved up the deployment schedule by one year last year. Japan’s accelerated military buildup in the southwestern region comes amid rising tensions around Taiwan, claimed by China. The Type-12 missile, developed and produced by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, has a range of about 1,000 km (620 miles), significantly extending the original 200 km (125 miles) range and capable of reaching mainland China.The missile is expected to be next deployed at Camp Fuji in Shizuoka later this year. Japan has deployed PAC-3 interceptors and midrange surface-to-air missiles on southwestern islands, including Okinawa, Ishigaki, and Miyako. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said last month that midrange SAMs will be deployed on Yonaguni Island, east of Taiwan, by March 2031.Japan’s prime minister Sanae Takaichi has indicated that any Chinese military action against Taiwan could trigger a Japanese military response. She plans to revise national security policy by year-end, boost Japan’s military capabilities with unmanned weapons and long-range missiles, and lift restrictions on lethal arms exports to strengthen the defense industry.
