Japan's New Missiles: A Shift in Defense Strategy

0:00Japan just deployed its first long-range missiles at an army camp in Kumamoto Prefecture, marking a big step in building offensive firepower. These upgraded Type-12 land-to-ship weapons, made by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, let them hit enemy missile sites from a safe distance, ditching. The old strict self-defense limits. On the same day, they rolled out a hypersonic glide vehicle for island protection at Camp Fuji, west of Tokyo. Plans call for more of these missiles and vehicles across Japan, from Hokkaido of North to Miyazaki down south, all by March 2028. They are also adding US-made Tomahawk cruise missiles with 990-mile range to eight destroyers starting this year. Local residents near the Kumamoto base hit the streets and protest, arguing it heats up regional tensions and pains their neighborhood as a prime. Target. Officials say its vital for deterrence amid the toughest security challenges since World War 2. This push targets China as the top threat, with fortifications on southwestern islands near the East

1:03China Sea. The government approved a record defense budget, topping $9 trillion, roughly $58 billion, to stock up on cruise missiles and drones for strike back and coastal defense. Last week, they launched a new office to monitor China's specific moves, and leaders have warned that any attack on Taiwan could trigger a Japanese response, signaling a clear pivot to stronger regional readiness. I'm Cory with the story, and you've been listening to Canada News today, AI-powered local news.