A Visit, A Signal: Japan and the U.S. Explore Military Cooperation Against China

In a move that has sent ripples through the Indo-Pacific region, the Japanese army’s recent visit to the United States has highlighted the potential deployment of American long-range, hypersonic missile systems in Japan. This development comes as both nations seek to bolster their defenses against an increasingly assertive China. The visit, led by General Yasunori Morishita, the chief of staff of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), took place from February 21 to 28, 2025. During this trip, Morishita engaged in high-level discussions with U.S. military leaders, including General Randy George, the chief of staff of the U.S. Army. The talks focused on regional security in the Indo-Pacific and the potential for deeper defense cooperation between the two allies.

The discussions were particularly significant as they underscored the U.S. Army’s interest in deploying its Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF) in Japan. The MDTF is equipped with cutting-edge missile systems, including the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), also known as Dark Eagle, and the mid-range Capability (MRC) missile system, known as Typhon. These systems are designed to counter China’s growing military presence in the region, particularly its naval and land-based assets. The deployment of such missiles in Japan would mark a significant escalation in the U.S.-Japan alliance, signaling a united front against Chinese aggression.

The Strategic Importance of Missile Deployment

Japan’s role in the U.S. defense strategy in the Indo-Pacific cannot be overstated. As part of the "first island chain," a geopolitical concept that includes Japan, the Philippines, and Taiwan, Japan serves as a critical location for basing U.S. military assets. The first island chain is designed to constrain China’s military activities in the Western Pacific, acting as a buffer against Chinese expansion. By deploying advanced missile systems like the LRHW and MRC in Japan, the U.S. aims to enhance its ability to deter Chinese aggression while reassuring regional allies of its commitment to their security.

The LRHW, with its hypersonic capabilities, is particularly noteworthy. Hypersonic missiles can travel at speeds exceeding 3,800 miles per hour, making them highly maneuverable and difficult to intercept. These missiles could target critical Chinese command centers, communication nodes, and even high-value aircraft parked on runways. The MRC, on the other hand, is capable of firing both the Standard Missile-6, with a range of 290 miles, and the Tomahawk cruise missile, which can strike targets up to 1,000 miles away. Together, these systems would significantly enhance Japan’s ability to defend itself and support U.S. operations in the region.

The Visit and Missile Displays

During his visit, General Morishita was given a tour of America’s First Corps, the U.S. Army’s operational headquarters for the Indo-Pacific region. The Japanese general was also shown two ground-based missile launchers, including the MRC and LRHW systems. The display of these missiles was not merely symbolic; it was a clear demonstration of the capabilities that could soon be deployed in Japan. The visit underscored the depth of U.S.-Japan military cooperation and the shared commitment to countering Chinese influence in the region.

Experts like Masashi Murano, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute’s Japan Chair, have emphasized the importance of these missile systems. According to Murano, deploying the MRC and LRHW in Japan would complement the country’s existing military capabilities, such as the improved Type 12 anti-ship missile and the Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile (HVGP) missile. The MRC’s ability to launch cruise missiles capable of targeting Chinese naval vessels, combined with the LRHW’s hypersonic capabilities, would pose a significant threat to China’s military assets.

Expert Insights and Regional Implications

Murano also highlighted the urgency of deploying such systems, particularly in light of the growing tensions over Taiwan. In the event of a conflict over the self-governed island, which China claims as its own, Japan’s airfields could come under heavy attack from Chinese forces. Meanwhile, U.S. and Japanese destroyers would likely be focused on air and missile defense missions, leaving a gap in ground-based missile capabilities. The deployment of survivable, mobile ground-launched missiles like the MRC and LRHW would fill this gap, providing a critical launch option that is less vulnerable to attack.

The strategic value of ground-launched missiles extends beyond their military capabilities. As Murano noted, such systems also serve as a reassurance to allies, signaling a long-term commitment to regional security. Unlike air- or sea-launched missiles, ground-based systems are less easily withdrawn, sending a clear message of resolve to both adversaries and allies. Additionally, ground-launched missiles can be reloaded more quickly than their air- and sea-based counterparts, ensuring a steady supply of firepower during a conflict.

Statements and Reactions

The JGSDF took to social media to emphasize the importance of the visit and the discussions held. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the JGSDF stated, “We exchanged strategic insights on the evolving security landscape in the Indo-Pacific region and also deliberated on underscoring the critical importance of defense cooperation.” The statement highlighted the mutual commitment of the U.S. and Japan to deepening their bilateral ties and strengthening their strategic alliance.

Murano, in an email to Newsweek, further elaborated on the significance of ground-launched missiles. “Ground-launched missiles can also reassure allies as a sign of commitment in that they cannot be easily retreated out of the theater,” he said. “Also, ground-launched missiles can be reloaded in a shorter time than air-launched or sea-launched missiles.” His comments underscored the dual role of such systems as both a military asset and a symbol of alliance strength.

What Happens Next?

While the visit and discussions have laid the groundwork for potential deployment, it remains to be seen whether the U.S. will move forward with deploying the MRC and LRHW in Japan. The U.S. already has an MRC system deployed in the Philippines, another key ally in the first island chain. Together, Japan, the Philippines, and Taiwan form a strategic arc that could significantly constrain China’s military options in the region.

The potential deployment of these missile systems in Japan is likely to draw a strong reaction from China, which has long been critical of U.S.-Japan military cooperation. China views such moves as a direct threat to its national security and has consistently called on the U.S. and its allies to refrain from actions that could destabilize the region. However, the U.S. and Japan are unlikely to back down, given the growing perception that China’s military ambitions pose a existential threat to regional stability.

In the coming months, the U.S. and Japan will likely continue their discussions on the deployment of these systems, with a focus on operational details and strategic coordination. The outcome of these talks will have far-reaching implications for the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific and could set the stage for a new era of military cooperation between the two allies. As tensions in the region continue to rise, the deployment of advanced missile systems in Japan represents a critical step in countering China’s growing influence and ensuring regional security.