The Japan Land Defense Forces (JGSDF) has just conducted a live-fire test with a surface-to-ship missile Type-88 right on the countrys territory on June 25. The test was conducted from a training ground on Hokkaido, pointing towards the coastal waters of the Pacific Ocean.
This is the first time Japan has hosted this type of exercise domestically, instead of at US facilities as usual. past training in the US has been seen as expensive and limited in the number of soldiers allowed to participate.
According to the Japanese government, organizing live-fire drills on national territory not only helps reduce costs but also creates training opportunities for more soldiers.
Speaking at the regular press conference, Chief of the cabinet Office Yoshimasa Hayashi emphasized that this exercise is not aimed at any specific country. However, he also noted that the current security environment is becoming serious and requested Japan to maintain and enhance its defense capabilities, especially the ability to protect islands and surrounding areas.
The test comes as Tokyo has been in the process of raising defense spending to a level equivalent to NATO standards, about 2% of GDP, for many years.
Another reason for Japan's choice to organize domestic training is the weak Yen, causing operating costs at foreign bases to increase compared to before.
The Japanese government has seen such exercises as a necessary step to prepare for regional risks, while affirming its determination to strengthen defense capabilities in response to the rapidly changing reality.
