Japan is arming a warship with US missiles that can hit targets up to 1,000 miles away as Pacific arms race heats up

Question

A Japanese warship is on the way to the United States to be fitted with Tomahawk cruise missiles, the latest move by Washington and its Asian allies to beef up firepower as adversaries like China and North Korea expand theirs.

The JS Chokai, an Aegis-equipped guided-missile destroyer, is steaming to the US for a year-long deployment during which the ship will undergo modifications – and crew training – to enable it to launch the Tomahawks, maneuverable cruise missiles with a range of about 1,000 miles.

Answer 1

Think of this as your investigation log. Answer each question to explain what you discovered and how you got there.

1. All the sources provide generally the same information, that Japan is scrambling to improve their maritime defense due to rising Indo-pacific tensions. Japan maritime defense is working with the Navy to train to use their new Tomahawk addition to their ships.
2. 

https://x.com/Defence_Index/status/1973508447841952221

This X post from Defense Index announces the first ship from Japan had arrived in the US for improvements. (October 1, 2025)

https://x.com/InsightGL/status/160704372465117184

This X post from Insight GeoPolitics announces the Tomahawk trade with Japan and that it will be completed within the years 2023-2027. (December 25, 2022)
3. Business Insider says that this is an offensive move for Japan to have tomahawk missles loaded in their warships. They note that Japan is doing this because of rising tensions with China regarding the Indo-Pacific ocean area.

 https://www.businessinsider.com/japans-warships-getting-tomahawks-big-leap-in-offensive-power-2025-10

The War Zone says that the addition of tomahawks to their ships is Japan was moved up a year because of the rising tensions with China. Japan wanted to be more prepared for any kind of invasion or attack in the Indo-Pacific regions.

https://www.twz.com/air/first-japanese-destroyer-heads-to-u-s-for-tomahawk-missile-modifications

4. Business Insider is committed to relaying information that affects global business and technology. They have a more of a business outlook on the situation and might have American economic interests in mind since their headquarters are in the Financial District in New York City. The War Zone is more of a national organization committed to journaling about what could affect American military. Their perspective would align with what the American military thinks of the tomahawk development.

5. Both sources say that the tomahawks will be handed over to Japan by March of 2026. Both sources note that the reasoning for this process is the rising tensions with China in the Indo-pacific area. Both sources cite that the missiles can be used for "standoff defense" and to strengthen Japanese bond with U.S. Navy.

6. There isn't a mention of North Korea in either of the articles only China. North Korea is in the Indo-Pacific area so that would add up but no mention of tensions with them in either article. CNN mentions how China flaunted their arsenal in a military parade, but neither of the articles mention anything about Chinas arsenal.