Japanese Aegis Destroyer Completes Modifications to Operate U.S.-made Tomahawk Missiles

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer JS Chokai (DDG-176) has completed modifications to make the ship Tomahawk cruise missile-capable, Japanese and U.S. officials announced this week. Chokai, currently deployed to the U.S., began modifications and crew training in October 2025 to operate Tomahawks, assisted by the U.S. Navy. The ship is now scheduled for live firing trials this summer to determine the ship’s readiness for actual missions and crew proficiency in operating the Tomahawk missile, Japan’s Ministry of Defense announced Friday. “The recent acquisition of Tomahawk missile launch capability by destroyer Chokai will lead to the early realization of strengthening Japan’s