Japan's plan to deploy missiles raises concern

Analysts warn such move signals shift toward more offensive military strategy

Japan is considering deployment of long-range missiles on the southwestern island of Kyushu, signaling what analysts warn is a shift from a defensive to a more offensive military strategy.

The move is part of Japan's broader efforts to acquire "counterstrike capabilities" to target enemy positions in an emergency, Kyodo News reported.

The deployment is expected to begin at the end of the 2025 fiscal year. The missiles may be stationed at the Ground Self-Defense Force's surface-to-ship missile regiment garrisons in Yufu and Kumamoto, said Kyodo News citing Japanese government sources.