Japan denies delay in US Tomahawk missile deliveries

TOKYO — Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi on Tuesday denied media reports suggesting a major delay in the delivery of US-made Tomahawk cruise missiles to Japan, stating that the current acquisition schedule remains unchanged.

‘We are still on track to acquire the missiles between fiscal years 2025 and 2027,’ Koizumi told reporters, referring to a recent Financial Times report that the US is prioritising replenishing dwindling arms stocks due to its conflict with Iran.

The newspaper reported that Washington had warned the delay could push back delivery schedules by up to two years, which would be a significant blow to Japan, which ordered Tomahawk missiles for the first time in 2024 to bolster its deterrent against China.

Koizumi added that delays in foreign defence equipment deliveries are not uncommon.

‘We will continue to work closely with the United States to ensure the acquisition process proceeds smoothly,’ he said, adding that Japan aims to minimise operational impacts while strengthening its domestic defence production base.

Japan has signed a contract with the US to procure up to 400 Tomahawk cruise missiles between fiscal years 2025 and 2027 as part of efforts to enhance its counterstrike capabilities.