According to a report by the Japanese Kyodo News on October 23, the Okinawa Defense Bureau of the Japanese Ministry of Defense revealed that the US intermediate missile launcher 'Typhoon' previously deployed temporarily at the Kagoshima Prefecture's Kagoshima City-based Marine Self-Defense Force Kagoshima Air Base has been transported to the US military’s Kadena Base (in Kadena Town, Okinawa County).
Regarding details such as the delivery date and the number of devices, the Okinawa Defense Agency stated, “This involves matters related to the use of U.S. military equipment, and it is not appropriate to provide answers on this matter.”
The ‘Tesperon’ medium-range missile system can launch ‘Tomahawk’ cruise missiles. It was deployed at Kurushi Air Base to support joint exercises involving Japan and the United States. In the future, it is expected to be stored at the US military’s Kadena Base.
However, this move has sparked strong protests from people in many parts of Japan and neighboring countries.
Kajina Town Mayor Takamatsu Hiroshi demanded the withdrawal of the plan, stating that it was "disregarding the feelings of the town residents, absurd and utterly intolerable."
The picture shows the medium-range missile launcher, Typhoon. Taken at the US Army Yakumo Base in Yakumo City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, in September 2025. Kyodo News
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zakharova stated in September that Japan should withdraw its Midcourse Missile System "Eelufeng" deployed in Japan.
Zaharova said that Russia had informed Japan about the deployment of the Terminal High Frequency Radar system by the United States in Kyushu, Japan. Russia emphasized that such a deployment was unacceptable and urged Japan to fully recognize the results of World War II and stop any further militarization efforts.
On September 21, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiaqun stated that the ‘Tevon’ medium-range missile system is a strategic offensive weapon. The Japanese introduction of this system is another indication of their efforts to accelerate military re-militarization. This action increases the risk of military confrontation and arms race, threatens strategic balance and regional stability, and harms the legitimate security interests of neighboring countries. The international community is highly vigilant about this, and many citizens in Asia have voiced opposition. China has repeatedly raised strong protests to the Japanese side through diplomatic channels, and recently reiterated its serious position in a note to the Japanese side.
Guo Jiakun pointed out that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the Tokyo Trials. The Chinese side urges Japan to seriously reflect on its aggressive history, take into account the demands of regional countries, and stop any attempts at ‘re-militarization’.
