Japan Joins 'Balikatan' Drills, Fires Live Anti-Ship Missiles Near South China Sea
Japan fired live anti-ship missiles during joint Balikatan exercises with U.S., Australian, and Philippine forces near the South China Sea, successfully striking a decommissioned destroyer from 75 kilometers away. The drills underscore grow
Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force fired live Type 88 surface-to-ship missiles during joint maritime drills with U.S., Australian, and Philippine forces in the annual Balikatan exercises, which means "shoulder to shoulder." Two missiles launched from waters near Paoay on the South China Sea successfully targeted the decommissioned Philippine Navy destroyer BRP Quezon within six minutes from approximately 75 kilometers away.
The exercises come as the Philippines and Japan discuss potential transfers of defense equipment, including Abukuma-class destroyers and TC-90 aircraft, following Japan's decision to lift restrictions on heavy weapons exports. Japanese Defense Minister Shinichiro Koizumi and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro witnessed the live missile firing.
The Philippine Defense Ministry stated that "this exercise demonstrates coordinated maritime strike operations between allied forces and highlights the enhanced capability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to conduct joint operations with international partners to promote regional security and freedom of navigation." Teodoro expressed pride that Japan's Type 88 missile system, designed to defend coastal areas and deter maritime threats, successfully conducted this operation for the first time.
More than 17,000 troops participated in the Balikatan drills, including 1,400 Japanese forces and 10,000 American service members. China has regularly criticized the joint military exercises, claiming they increase regional tensions.
