Japan destroyer JS Chokai (DDG-176) is heading to the U.S. for a year-long deployment during which the destroyer will undergo modifications and training to operate Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Chokai departed Friday from Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Yokosuka Naval Base to sail to San Diego, Calif. The destroyer’s U.S. deployment is slated to span September 2025 to September 2026, according to the Japan Ministry of Defense (MOD).
“JS Chokai departed Japan today for San Diego to undergo upgrades and training for stand-off defense capabilities — the first of its kind for JMSDF. Strengthening deterrence and response under the strong Japan-U.S. alliance,” reads a JMSDF post to social media platform X.
The U.S. Navy has been training Japanese forces since March 2024 on how to operate Tomahawk cruise missile launch systems, aiding the Indo-Pacific country in expanding its capabilities. Japan expects to receive the long-range, subsonic guided missiles typically used by the U.S. Navy by March 31, 2026, USNI News previously reported. To enable prompt operational capability after acquiring the missiles, Japan is working to ensure Chokai is modified and its crew are trained to use the Tomahawks.
Live-fire trials and other activities will be conducted around summer 2026 to confirm the ship’s readiness and crew proficiency to carry out operational missions, the Japan MOD said.
#JMSDF conducted a #Tomahawk mock loading drill on “#JS_CHOKAI” with support from the @USNavy.
Our stand-off defense capabilities are steadily progressing as we strengthen ties with the U.S. Navy and build readiness. 👍#FOIP #FreeandOpenIndoPacific pic.twitter.com/uiU8zV33UB — 防衛省 海上自衛隊 (@JMSDF_PAO) September 26, 2025
On Thursday, prior to its departure, Chokai conducted training with Tomahawk dummy munitions at JMSDF Yokosuka Naval Base with the support of the U.S. Navy. The purpose of the training was to familiarize the ship with the procedures necessary for Tomahawk operation and to confirm the safety management system, the JMSDF said. A video of the training and departure of Chokai was shared by JMSDF on Friday.
“The Ministry of Defense values this U.S. deployment and training as evidence of steady progress in the Tomahawk program and will continue to work toward the early establishment of stand-off defense capabilities,” reads the MOD release.
Chokai will the first JMSDF Aegis destroyer to operate Tomahawks. Japan plans to have its remaining seven Aegis destroyers, as well as two Aegis System Equipped Vessels (ASEV) destroyers that are under construction, undergo modification to operate the long-range missile system.
Both Australia and the Netherlands conducted Tomahawk test launches in the U.S. recently. Destroyer HMAS Brisbane (DDG-41) carried out a launch off the U.S. West Coast in December 2024 while frigate HNLMS De Ruyter (F804) launched a Tomahawk cruise missile off the coast of Norfolk in early March.
Japan signed for a total of 400 Tomahawk missiles in January 2024. The contract outlines 200 Block IV Tomahawks, 200 Block V Tomahawks and 14 Tactical Tomahawk Weapon Control Systems, along with support, training, maintenance, spares and other ancillary services and items. Deliveries are scheduled between Japan’s fiscal years 2025 and 2027, which run from April 1 to March 31.
Originally Japan planned for acquisition of the Tomahawks in Fiscal Year 2026 but bumped the date forward by one year, citing the “increasingly severe security environment around Japan,” which is the Japanese government’s standard term on its defense and security concerns regarding the actions and potential actions of Russia, China and North Korea.