Japan’s 9,500-ton Aegis destroyer Chokai gains Tomahawk missile capability

Japan’s Aegis destroyer Chokai completed US-based modifications and crew training to gain Tomahawk missile launch capability.

Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said a ceremony marked the acquisition and the ship will conduct live-fire tests in the US this summer.

The upgrade is part of a JMSDF plan to equip its Aegis ships with Tomahawks after Japan agreed to buy 400 missiles in 2024.

Tokyo also reorganized its maritime forces, replacing the Fleet Escort Force with a Fleet Surface Force to centralize surface-ship oversight.