https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/japan-s-first-dedicated-missile-defense-warship-is-a-monsterContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/japan-s-first-dedicated-missile-defense-warship-is-a-monsterhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/japan-s-first-dedicated-missile-defense-warship-is-a-monster#u59020Sun, 06 Sep 2026 13:15:24 +0000Japan is expanding its military capabilities by converting an anti-ship missile into a supersonic aerial interceptor designed for ultra long ranges. Additionally, the government has proposed a submarine-launched Mach 5 hypersonic missile in its 2027 budget. These projects aim to strengthen long-range strike options and challenge rising security threats in the Pacific region. Previous efforts involved upgrading destroyers to launch Tomahawk cruise missiles and building cruiser-sized missile defense ships fitted with large radar masts as part of a strategy incorporating unmanned systems and arti https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/japan-s-first-dedicated-missile-defense-warship-is-a-monsterhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/japan-s-first-dedicated-missile-defense-warship-is-a-monster#u54625Wed, 02 Sep 2026 08:45:05 +0000Japan has increased its naval capabilities through the acquisition of long-range strike weapons and the development of dedicated defense vessels. The destroyer Chokai has returned to its home port after receiving upgrades in the United States that enable it to launch Tomahawk cruise missiles. Simultaneously, Japan is constructing its first ASEV missile defense ships, which are cruiser-sized warships recently fitted with large radar masts. These developments align with a broader defense strategy focused on unmanned systems, AI, and a high-low weapons mix.Why it mattersThese upgrades shift Japan