Japan Successfully Tests Tomahawk Missile Launch from Destroyer

Japan has successfully conducted its first live launch of a U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missile from one of its destroyers, the JS Chokai. The guided-missile frigate, equipped with the Aegis system and Mk 41 vertical launch systems, fired at least one Tomahawk missile in the Pacific Ocean. Japan plans to acquire up to 400 Tomahawk missiles, 200 Block IV and 200 Block V variants, for an estimated $1.03 billion. By the end of the current program, five of Japan's eight Aegis destroyers are expected to be capable of launching Tomahawk missiles.