North Korea has strongly criticized Japan’s decision to equip its Aegis destroyers with American-made Tomahawk long-range cruise missiles. Pyongyang argues that this move demonstrates Japan’s dangerous escalation toward becoming a militaristic state.
On October 18, the ruling party’s newspaper Rodong Sinmun cited a Korean Central News Agency commentary revealing Japan’s plans to deploy these long-range missiles on all eight of its Aegis destroyers.
The newspaper described the Tomahawk as a notorious weapon, frequently used by the U.S. for preemptive strikes in various conflicts. It argued that this development signals Japan’s rapid progression toward fully establishing long-range strike capabilities for potential preemptive attacks.
The article emphasized that Japan’s newly acquired long-range weapons bring regional countries, including North Korea, within striking distance. It asserted that, given Japan’s apparent fixation on reviving its former Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere ambitions, the targets of any future aggression are unmistakably clear.
The newspaper also highlighted Japan’s recent initiation of mass-producing domestically developed long-range missiles, which can be launched from various platforms including ground, submarine, and ship-based systems. This, the paper argues, underscores Japan’s determined pursuit of enhancing its preemptive strike capabilities.
The commentary went on to state that Japan has methodically established the political, military, and legal foundations for overseas military operations. It warned that with the acquisition and forward deployment of significant long-range strike assets, Japan now appears poised to engage in foreign conflicts.
Earlier this month, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Aegis destroyer Chokai departed for the U.S. to begin integrating Tomahawk cruise missiles. This follows Japan’s agreement with the U.S. in early 2024 to purchase 400 Tomahawk missiles.