The Maritime Self-Defense Force¡¯s Aegis destroyer Chokai has become Japan¡¯s first vessel capable of carrying and firing U.S.-made Tomahawk missiles, a development that could put targets deep inside China and North Korea within striking distance.
The Defense Ministry¡¯s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) announced Friday that the ship had ¡°successfully completed¡± modifications in the United States that will allow it to fire the long-range ¡°standoff¡± missiles.
Speaking at a news conference Friday following the announcement, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said the new capability would?be ¡°of great significance for reducing the possibility of an armed attack on Japan itself.¡±
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