Reports of Tomahawk Missile Delivery Delays; Japan Says Schedule Unchanged

CNA, Tokyo, May 26. The Financial Times reported last week, citing sources, that the US had informed Japan that deliveries of US-made Tomahawk cruise missiles could be delayed by up to two years. Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi stated today that the current schedule for acquiring Tomahawk missiles remains unchanged. To build counterstrike capabilities to target enemy missile launch sites during emergencies, the Japanese government signed a formal contract in 2024 and plans to acquire up to 400 Tomahawk missiles by fiscal year 2027. The Financial Times reported on the 23rd that because the US has consumed a large number of Tomahawk cruise missiles in the conflict in Iran, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth informed Koizumi by phone earlier this month that deliveries could be delayed by up to two years. According to NHK, Koizumi said at a press conference after the cabinet meeting today, "At this moment, the plan for acquisition from last fiscal year to next fiscal year has not changed. We will work closely with the US to acquire them appropriately." He also added, "Generally, when procuring equipment from overseas, there is a possibility of delivery delays. Because of this risk, a base for manufacturing domestic products is indispensable, and we will strive to strengthen the defense production base in the future."