The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force began conducting surface-to-ship missile launch drills in Japan this year, according to an NHK report on 10 April.
The drills will begin in the summer at a firing range in Shin-Hidaka, Hokkaido, which faces the Pacific Ocean.
Until now, the JMSDF has been unable to find a safe location with sufficient range, so it has been conducting surface-to-surface missile drills overseas. With the understanding of the relevant organizations, it was decided to conduct training in Japan starting this year.
NHK reported that “as the Chinese military strengthens its maritime advance, it appears that the Self-Defense Forces are trying to increase training opportunities within Japan, thereby strengthening their deterrence.”
In relation to this, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said at a press conference that day, “Up until now, we have been conducting shooting training at shooting ranges in the U.S. mainland, but in order to secure more training opportunities based on the increasingly severe security environment, we are coordinating domestic shooting training,” adding, “We plan to conduct it as early as June this year.”
