US Ally Moves Anti-Ship Missiles to First Island Chain Choke Point

[william]

"This is the first time that a surface-to-ship missile unit has been established on the main island of Okinawa, and it is also the first time that Type 12 surface-to-ship missiles have been delivered to the main island."

This strategic move by Japan involves deploying missile systems in key locations across the first island chain to form a north-south blockade against China.

Okinawa is strategically important in the U.S. defense posture in the region, as roughly 30,000 troops from all four branches are stationed in Japan on the crucial island base.

This marks the first-ever establishment of a surface-to-ship missile unit on the main island of Okinawa, also introducing the Type 12 surface-to-ship missiles to the island.

"Between 1:40 a.m. and 2:00 a.m., 12 Self-Defense Force vehicles quietly entered Katsuren Bunchi. Five of the vehicles were trailers, four had covered cargo beds, and one had what appeared to be a crane. It appears to have transported a launcher." Japanese media reported that Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force had moved up the schedule to deploy Type 12 missiles by 2025.

US ally moves anti-ship missiles to first island chain choke point

Japan has deployed a Type 12 surface-to-ship missile launcher to counter China's aggressive moves along the first island chain choke point.

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