Japan’s defense ministry awards Mitsubishi Heavy Industries a $216 million missile development deal

New York, N.Y. — Japan has taken a significant step to strengthen its defense capabilities with a new contract for advanced missile systems. The Japanese Ministry of Defense announced this week that Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has secured a 32 billion yen ($216 million) deal to develop long-range, precision-guided missiles for the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF).

The contract marks a major milestone in Japan’s expanding defense strategy amid growing regional tensions in East Asia.

According to defense officials, these new missiles are specifically designed to enhance Japan’s ability to protect its remote island territories and to deter potential aggressors.

“This new missile system represents an important advancement in our defensive capabilities,” said Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya at a press conference in Tokyo.

“The development aligns with our national security strategy of maintaining peace through strength and preparedness.”

The missiles, which will have an estimated range of several hundred kilometers, feature advanced guidance systems allowing for precision strikes against both land and maritime targets.

Development is expected to take approximately three years, with deployment scheduled for 2028.

Military analysts note this development comes amid Japan’s broader shift in defense policy.

In recent years, Japan has gradually moved away from its post-World War II pacifist stance, incrementally building up its military capabilities in response to perceived threats in the region.

“Japan is clearly responding to the changing security environment in East Asia,” said Dr. Akiko Yamamoto, a defense policy expert at Tokyo University. “These new missiles enhance Japan’s ability to defend its territories without necessarily increasing offensive capabilities beyond what is needed for self-defense.”

The contract with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries specifies that the missiles will incorporate Japanese-developed technology, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers and bolstering the domestic defense industry. The company will collaborate with several smaller Japanese firms in a consortium approach that spreads economic benefits across the defense sector.

Economic analysts predict the deal will create approximately 500 high-skilled jobs and potentially lead to technology spillovers benefiting civilian industries. The government has emphasized that the project aligns with its dual goals of enhancing national security while stimulating economic growth in high-technology sectors.

Opposition politicians have raised concerns about the increasing defense budget, arguing that funds could be better allocated to social programs and economic stimulus measures. The missile development program represents about 3% of Japan’s annual defense budget, which has increased for ten consecutive years.

“While we understand the need for adequate defense, we must question whether this continuous expansion of military spending properly addresses Japan’s most pressing needs,” said Keiko Tanaka, an opposition lawmaker.

International reactions have been mixed.

Regional partners, including the United States and Australia, have welcomed Japan’s steps toward shouldering more responsibility for regional security. However, neighboring countries with historical grievances have expressed concern about what they perceive as Japan’s remilitarization.

The Ministry of Defense has emphasized that the new missile systems remain within the parameters of Japan’s constitution, which limits military capabilities to those necessary for self-defense. Officials stress that the systems are designed to protect Japanese territory rather than project power beyond its borders.

Public opinion polls indicate moderate support for the missile development program, with approximately 58% of respondents expressing approval and 32% opposing the initiative. The remaining 10% reported no strong opinion on the matter.

As development begins, defense experts will be watching closely to see how these new systems integrate into Japan’s broader defense strategy and what implications they may have for regional security dynamics in East Asia.

Japan Boosts Defense With New Precision-Guided Missile Contract (April 2, 2025)

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Tags: Defense, East Asia, Japan, Military Technology,
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Security, Missile Defense