Photo/Illutration A Tomahawk cruise missile launched from a U.S. Navy vessel (Captured from U.S. Navy website)

The government has gotten ahead of itself by putting out feelers on acquiring a weapons system primarily used for a capability that has yet to be formally approved.

The ruling coalition is discussing the legalities of possessing the capability to strike enemy bases preparing to mount an attack on Japan.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has repeatedly said he would consider all options, including strike capability, to bolster the nation’s defense.

Tomahawk cruise missiles deployed by the United States would do just that because they fly at a low altitude and have a range of about 1,000 miles (1,610 kilometers).

Tomahawks have proven capability, with about 2,000 launches in combat.

Defense Ministry officials said they were considering purchasing the Tomahawk as a stop-gap measure until a domestically developed missile is upgraded to extend its range from roughly 200 km to about 1,000 km. Plans call for deploying the improved missile from around fiscal 2026.

Concerns are being raised that the Kishida administration is using the proposed Tomahawk cruise missile to establish a fait accompli for possessing the capability to attack enemy bases preparing a launch.

Even a lawmaker from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party has raised concerns that stronger opposition could arise due to the Tomahawk missile’s reputation as an offensive weapon.

Japan has inquired about purchasing Tomahawks in the past, but U.S. officials turned a deaf ear to the requests.

However, the Biden administration might be more willing to allow Japan to purchase Tomahawks as it seeks out allies to help in dealing with military advances being made by China.

“The U.S. military holds a strong sense of crisis about a possible military attack by China on Taiwan,” noted a government source.

A Defense Ministry source added that the United States may feel it is no longer able to deal with China by itself.

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