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Long-range missile launcher to be put into service in Japan

Photo taken on March 17, 2026, shows a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force long-range missile launcher at GSDF Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, unveiled to local politicians and the media. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capabilities, will be put into service at the camp on March 31, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

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Long-range missile launcher to be put into service in Japan

Photo taken on March 17, 2026, shows a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force long-range missile launcher at GSDF Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, unveiled to local politicians and the media. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capabilities, will be put into service at the camp on March 31, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

E

Long-range missile launcher to be put into service in Japan

Photo taken on March 17, 2026, shows a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force long-range missile launcher at GSDF Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, unveiled to local politicians and the media. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capabilities, will be put into service at the camp on March 31, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

E

Long-range missile launcher to be put into service in Japan

Photo taken on March 17, 2026, shows a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force long-range missile launcher at GSDF Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, unveiled to local politicians and the media. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capabilities, will be put into service at the camp on March 31, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

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Japan: Residents Protest as Long-Range Missile Launcher Arrives at JGSDF Camp in Kumamoto 2

Early on March 9, the Ministry of Defense delivered a long-range missile launcher to the Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Kengun in Kumamoto for their first domestic deployment. In response to the move, which began without prior notice from the ministry, more than a hundred protesters gathered outside the camp, demanding the withdrawal of the deployment and the holding of a briefing for residents.

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Japan: Residents Protest as Long-Range Missiles Launcher Arrives at JGSDF Camp in Kumamoto

Early on March 9, the Ministry of Defense delivered a long-range missiles launcher to the Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Kengun in Kumamoto for their first domestic deployment. In response to the move, which began without prior notice from the ministry, more than a hundred protesters gathered outside the camp, demanding the withdrawal of the deployment and the holding of a briefing for residents.

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ASDF transport plane departs for Maldives

KOMAKI, Japan, March 8 Kyodo - Japan Air Self-Defense Force personnel prepare to board a KC-767 aerial refueling and transport aircraft at the ASDF base in Komaki in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, in the early hours of March 8, 2026, bound for the Maldives in the Indian Ocean to support the possible evacuation of Japanese nationals from the Middle East amid an escalating conflict following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran. (Kyodo)

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Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

People protest near Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, on the evening of March 8, 2026, ahead of the scheduled arrival of a GSDF vehicle carrying a long-range missile launcher. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capability, will be deployed at the camp by the end of March, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

E

Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force vehicle carrying a long-range missile launcher arrives at GSDF Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, in the early hours of March 9, 2026. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capability, will be deployed at the camp by the end of March, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

E

Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force vehicle carrying a long-range missile launcher arrives at GSDF Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, in the early hours of March 9, 2026. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capability, will be deployed at the camp by the end of March, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

E

Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

Police officers stand guard near Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, on the evening of March 8, 2026, ahead of the scheduled arrival of a GSDF vehicle carrying a long-range missile launcher. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capability, will be deployed at the camp by the end of March, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

E

Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force vehicle carrying a long-range missile launcher arrives at GSDF Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, in the early hours of March 9, 2026. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capability, will be deployed at the camp by the end of March, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

E

Japan defense minister at ASDF base in Miyagi Pref.

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi boards a Japan Air Self-Defense Force Blue Impulse aerobatic team plane during a visit to the ASDF's base in Higashimatsushima in Miyagi Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on March 8, 2026. The plane flew over coastal areas of Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures devastated by the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami disaster, ahead of its 15th anniversary.

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Japan defense minister at ASDF base in Miyagi Pref.

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi boards a Japan Air Self-Defense Force Blue Impulse aerobatic team plane during a visit to the ASDF's base in Higashimatsushima in Miyagi Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on March 8, 2026. The plane flew over coastal areas of Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures devastated by the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami disaster, ahead of its 15th anniversary.

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ASDF transport plane departs for Maldives

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force KC-767 aerial refueling and transport aircraft takes off at the ASDF base in Komaki in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, in the early hours of March 8, 2026, bound for the Maldives in the Indian Ocean to support the possible evacuation of Japanese nationals from the Middle East amid an escalating conflict following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran.

E

ASDF transport plane departs for Maldives

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force KC-767 aerial refueling and transport aircraft takes off at the ASDF base in Komaki in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, in the early hours of March 8, 2026, bound for the Maldives in the Indian Ocean to support the possible evacuation of Japanese nationals from the Middle East amid an escalating conflict following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran.

E

ASDF transport plane departs for Maldives

Japan Air Self-Defense Force personnel prepare to board a KC-767 aerial refueling and transport aircraft at the ASDF base in Komaki in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, in the early hours of March 8, 2026, bound for the Maldives in the Indian Ocean to support the possible evacuation of Japanese nationals from the Middle East amid an escalating conflict following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran.

E

ASDF transport plane departs for Maldives

Japan Air Self-Defense Force personnel board a KC-767 aerial refueling and transport aircraft at the ASDF base in Komaki in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, in the early hours of March 8, 2026, bound for the Maldives in the Indian Ocean to support the possible evacuation of Japanese nationals from the Middle East amid an escalating conflict following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran.

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Japan-U.S. Iron Fist joint exercise in Okinawa

Japan Self-Defense Forces and U.S. military personnel salute during the opening ceremony of their Iron Fist joint exercise at U.S. Marine Corps' Camp Hansen in the southern Japan island prefecture of Okinawa on Feb. 23, 2026.

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Japan-U.S. Iron Fist joint exercise in Okinawa

Japan Self-Defense Forces and U.S. military personnel pose for a group photo after the opening ceremony of their Iron Fist joint exercise at U.S. Marine Corps' Camp Hansen in the southern Japan island prefecture of Okinawa on Feb. 23, 2026.

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Japan: Self Defense Force Requested for Spreading Wildfire in Western Saitama

A wildfire that was initially contained after breaking out in Chichibu, western Saitama, on Wednesday, February 4, expanded to 40 hectares after reigniting Thursday night. The prefectural government was prompted to request the dispatch of the Self-Defense Forces on Friday to combat the spreading blaze.

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Japan-S. Korea defense talks

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (L) plays table tennis with his South Korean counterpart Ahn Gyu Back following talks at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's base in Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 30, 2026. (Pool photo)

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Japan-S. Korea defense talks

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (L) and his South Korean counterpart Ahn Gyu Back pose for a photo following talks at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's base in Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 30, 2026. (Pool photo)

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Japan-S. Korea defense talks

South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu Back (R) receives a guard of honor at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's base in Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 30, 2026. Ahn held talks with his Japanese counterpart Shinjiro Koizumi (L) the same day. (Pool photo)

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Japan-S. Korea defense talks

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi meets the press after holding talks with his South Korean counterpart Ahn Gyu Back at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's base in Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 30, 2026. (Pool photo)

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Japan-S. Korea defense talks

South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu Back (2nd from R) holds talks with his Japanese counterpart Shinjiro Koizumi at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's base in Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 30, 2026. (Pool photo)

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Japan-S. Korea defense talks

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (2nd from L) holds talks with his South Korean counterpart Ahn Gyu Back (2nd from R) at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's base in Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 30, 2026. (Pool photo)

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Japan-S. Korea defense talks

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (R) shakes hands with his South Korean counterpart Ahn Gyu Back at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's base in Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 30, 2026, ahead of their talks. (Pool photo)

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Japan-S. Korea defense talks

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (2nd from L) holds talks with his South Korean counterpart Ahn Gyu Back at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's base in Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 30, 2026. (Pool photo)

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Japan-S. Korea defense talks

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (R) shakes hands with his South Korean counterpart Ahn Gyu Back at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's base in Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 30, 2026, ahead of their talks. (Pool photo)

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Japan, Philippines sign pact

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi (L) speaks at a joint press appearance with his Philippine counterpart Maria Theresa Lazaro in Manila on Jan. 15, 2026, after signing an acquisition and cross-servicing agreement between Japan's Self-Defense Forces and the Philippine armed forces.

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New SDF base on island for U.S. fighter jet drills

NISHINOOMOTE, Japan, Jan. 13 Kyodo - Video taken from a drone on Jan. 10, 2026, shows Mage Island, located about 990 kilometers southwest of Tokyo in the East China Sea and part of the Kagoshima Prefecture city of Nishinoomote. Construction started in January 2023 for a Japan Self-Defense Forces base to be used as a site for U.S. fighter jet drills relocated from Iwoto Island in the Pacific.

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[Breaking news]Wildfire in Yamanashi Pref.

UENOHARA, Japan, Jan. 11 Kyodo - Video taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows continuing firefighting operations by a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force helicopter against a wildfire at Mt. Ogi, straddling Uenohara and Otsuki cities in Yamanashi Prefecture, west of Tokyo, on Jan. 11, 2026. (Kyodo)

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New SDF base on island for U.S. fighter jet drills

Photo taken from a drone on Jan. 10, 2026, shows Mage Island, located about 990 kilometers southwest of Tokyo in the East China Sea and part of the Kagoshima Prefecture city of Nishinoomote. Construction started in January 2023 for a Japan Self-Defense Forces base to be used as a site for U.S. fighter jet drills relocated from Iwoto Island in the Pacific.

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New SDF base on island for U.S. fighter jet drills

Photo taken from a drone on Jan. 10, 2026, shows Mage Island, located about 990 kilometers southwest of Tokyo in the East China Sea and part of the Kagoshima Prefecture city of Nishinoomote. Construction started in January 2023 for a Japan Self-Defense Forces base to be used as a site for U.S. fighter jet drills relocated from Iwoto Island in the Pacific.

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New SDF base on island for U.S. fighter jet drills

Photo taken from a drone on Jan. 10, 2026, shows Mage Island, located about 990 kilometers southwest of Tokyo in the East China Sea and part of the Kagoshima Prefecture city of Nishinoomote. Construction started in January 2023 for a Japan Self-Defense Forces base to be used as a site for U.S. fighter jet drills relocated from Iwoto Island in the Pacific.

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New SDF base on island for U.S. fighter jet drills

Photo taken from a drone on Jan. 10, 2026, shows Mage Island, located about 990 kilometers southwest of Tokyo in the East China Sea and part of the Kagoshima Prefecture city of Nishinoomote. Construction started in January 2023 for a Japan Self-Defense Forces base to be used as a site for U.S. fighter jet drills relocated from Iwoto Island in the Pacific.

E

New SDF base on island for U.S. fighter jet drills

Photo taken from a drone on Jan. 10, 2026, shows Mage Island, located about 990 kilometers southwest of Tokyo in the East China Sea and part of the Kagoshima Prefecture city of Nishinoomote. Construction started in January 2023 for a Japan Self-Defense Forces base to be used as a site for U.S. fighter jet drills relocated from Iwoto Island in the Pacific.

E

New SDF base on island for U.S. fighter jet drills

Photo taken from a drone on Jan. 10, 2026, shows Mage Island, located about 990 kilometers southwest of Tokyo in the East China Sea and part of the Kagoshima Prefecture city of Nishinoomote. Construction started in January 2023 for a Japan Self-Defense Forces base to be used as a site for U.S. fighter jet drills relocated from Iwoto Island in the Pacific. ==Kyodo

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Protest against new SDF base for U.S. fighter jet drills

People protest against the construction of a Japan Self-Defense Forces base on Mage Island, located about 990 kilometers southwest of Tokyo in the East China Sea and part of the Kagoshima Prefecture city of Nishinoomote, on Jan. 10, 2026. Construction started in January 2023 for the base, to be used as a site for U.S. fighter jet drills relocated from Iwoto Island in the Pacific.

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Protest against new SDF base for U.S. fighter jet drills

People protest against the construction of a Japan Self-Defense Forces base on Mage Island, located about 990 kilometers southwest of Tokyo in the East China Sea and part of the Kagoshima Prefecture city of Nishinoomote, on Jan. 10, 2026. Construction started in January 2023 for the base, to be used as a site for U.S. fighter jet drills relocated from Iwoto Island in the Pacific.

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Japan defense chief visits training field in Chiba Pref.

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi meets the press during a visit to a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force exercise field in Funabashi in Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 11, 2026.

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Japan defense chief visits training field in Chiba Pref.

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi takes part in parachute jump tower training at a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force exercise field in Funabashi in Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 11, 2026.

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Wildfire in Yamanashi Pref.

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows continuing firefighting operations by a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force helicopter against a wildfire at Mt. Ogi, straddling Uenohara and Otsuki cities in Yamanashi Prefecture, west of Tokyo, on Jan. 11, 2026.

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Japan defense chief visits base in Miyazaki Pref.

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (C) checks the noise of an F-35B stealth fighter jet during a visit to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Nyutabaru base in Shintomi in Miyazaki Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Jan. 9, 2026.

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Japan defense chief visits base in Miyazaki Pref.

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi meets the press during a visit to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Nyutabaru base in Shintomi in Miyazaki Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Jan. 9, 2026.

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Japan defense minister visits ASDF base in Okinawa Pref.

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (C) visits the Japan Air Self-Defense Force base in Naha in the southern Japan island prefecture of Okinawa on Jan. 8, 2026.

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Japan defense minister visits ASDF base in Okinawa Pref.

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (front) boards a Japan Air Self-Defense Force jet during a visit to its base in Naha in the southern Japan island prefecture of Okinawa on Jan. 8, 2026.

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Defense Minister Koizumi visits GSDF camp

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (R) rides a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force assault amphibious vehicle 7 during a visit to the GSDF's Camp Ainoura in Sasebo in Nagasaki Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Dec. 21, 2025.

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Defense Minister Koizumi visits GSDF camp

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (C) meets the press during a visit to the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's Camp Ainoura in Sasebo in Nagasaki Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Dec. 21, 2025.