Japan test-fires missile from home soil for first time amid military build-up

Due to space limitations and safety concerns, Japan conducted past missile tests in the United States and Australia

Reading Time:2 minutes

Japan’s military test-fires a Type 88 surface-to-ship short-range missile from Japan’s northern main island of Hokkaido on Tuesday. Photo: Japan Ground Self-Defence Force / AP

Published: 10:49am, 25 Jun 2025

Japan’s military has test-fired a missile on Japanese territory for the first time, as the country accelerates its military build-up to deter China.

The Type 88 surface-to-ship, short-range missile was tested at the Shizunai Anti-Air Firing Range on Japan’s northernmost main island of Hokkaido on Tuesday. The Ground Self-Defence Force’s 1st Artillery Brigade used a training missile to target a boat with no crew about 40km (24 miles) off the island’s southern coast.

Due to space limitations and safety concerns, Japan conducted past missile tests in the United States, a treaty ally, and Australia, a top Japanese defence partner where vast training grounds are available.

The military said the test was successful. It plans other tests through Sunday.

Dozens of protesters stood outside a neighbouring army camp, saying missile tests only escalate tension in Asia and the risks for Japan Japan being involved in possible conflicts.

Japanese soldiers deploy Type-88 surface-to-ship short-range missiles as part of joint military drills with the US last year. Photo: Kyodo / AP

Tuesday’s first domestic missile test highlights Japan’s push towards becoming a more self-sufficient military and its acquisition of strike-back capabilities as a deterrent to China’s increasingly assertive naval activity in regional seas.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x