Japan plans to equip its eight Aegis destroyers with Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Modifications for the integration are expected to begin in 2024 and be completed by 2027, The Japan Times reported, citing a source.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced in February the government was planning to purchase 400 Tomahawks from the US.
Plan to Purchase 400 Tomahawks
Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada said earlier that the country had set aside 211.3 billion yen ($1.5 billion) for the purchase in 2023, beginning in April.
Tokyo plans to acquire the latest Tomahawk Block-5 missile, which can strike targets 1,600 kilometers (994 miles) away.
The missile purchase plan comes amid China’s continual arms buildup and North Korea’s growing missile threat.
Additional Aegis Vessels
Japan also plans to procure two Aegis system-equipped vessels (ASEV) by 2028 for ballistic missile defense, according to The Japan Times.
The ASEVs will be an alternative to the Aegis Ashore system, a purchase canceled by the government in 2020.
Tokyo will buy two additional destroyers by 2032, the outlet added.
