Tokyo: Japan has carried out its first-ever surface-to-ship missile test within its own territory, describing it as a necessary training exercise in response to what it called a “severe security environment” in the region.

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) launched a single Type-88 missile from a training ground on the northern island of Hokkaido on Tuesday. The missile was fired towards the Pacific coastal waters in a drill aimed at enhancing the country’s defensive readiness.

Until now, Japan has typically conducted such missile training at facilities in the United States. However, these overseas drills are costly and often limit the number of personnel who can take part. According to Japanese media, the weakening yen has further inflated the costs of using American training grounds.

“Domestic live-fire exercises like this one provide training opportunities for more troops,” said Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi at a press briefing on Wednesday. He added that such drills are “extremely important for us to maintain and improve the capability to defend islands and other areas, given the current severe security environment.”

Hayashi stressed that the exercise was not directed at any particular country. However, Japan has previously named China as its greatest security concern, citing Beijing’s growing military capabilities and assertiveness in the region, including around Taiwan.

Japan is currently in the midst of a multi-year effort to raise its defence spending to two percent of its gross domestic product, in line with NATO standards. It is also working closely with the United States to strengthen its military alliance, aiming to improve the flexibility and coordination of both forces in the face of potential threats in the Indo-Pacific.

The missile test marks a notable shift in Japan’s defence posture, reflecting its determination to bolster self-reliant deterrence while maintaining close cooperation with Washington.