Japan to demonstrate new Type-25 missiles during Keen Sword drills

Japan’s new Type-25 mobile missiles, with a range of around 1,000 kilometres, will be demonstrated for the first time during the upcoming Keen Sword joint military exercises with the United States in October.

The exercises will be held at multiple locations across Japan and will involve tens of thousands of Japanese and US personnel. The exact dates and locations are expected to be announced later. Keen Sword exercises are held every two years, Caliber.Az reports via Japanese media.

The Type-25 mobile ground-based missiles were first permanently deployed in March 2026 at the Kengun base in Kumamoto Prefecture on the southwestern island of Kyushu.

During the exercises, the missiles will be transported to a firing range in the same area. Japanese and US forces will practise coordinating the deployment and targeting of the systems, although no actual missile launches are planned.

The missiles are officially classified as anti-ship weapons. However, Tokyo describes them as part of its capability to conduct a “retaliatory strike” against potential adversaries’ bases.

Type-12 missiles deployed on Kyushu can reach coastal areas of China. Local residents have also expressed concerns that areas hosting such weapons could become targets in the event of a military conflict, according to the agency.

By Sabina Mammadli