In a display of military cooperation, the United States Army has unveiled its Typhon mid-range missile system in Japan for the first time. The deployment comes during the annual Resolute Dragon joint military exercise, a maneuver involving over 19,000 troops from both nations. This move is widely regarded as a strategic effort to enhance deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in response to China’s growing military presence and increasingly assertive actions.
A New Layer of Deterrence
The Typhon system, a land-based weapon capable of launching Standard Missile-6 and Tomahawk cruise missiles, represents a notable enhancement of the U.S. military’s capabilities in the region. These missiles have the range to strike targets along China’s eastern coast, providing a significant strategic advantage. The system’s deployment to the U.S. Marine Corps Base in Iwakuni, southwestern Japan, follows a similar deployment in the Philippines last year, which drew criticism from both China and Russia. While the U.S. Army has stated that the Typhon system will not be fired during the Resolute Dragon exercise, its presence alone sends a strong message of readiness and resolve.
Resolute Dragon: A Show of Unity
The Resolute Dragon exercise, which will conclude on September 25th 2025, is a comprehensive military drill focused on maritime defense and littoral protection. The exercise spans across various locations in Japan, involving a wide array of military assets and personnel. The inclusion of the Typhon system in this year’s exercise underscores the evolving nature of the U.S.-Japan alliance and the shared commitment to regional security. According to Colonel Wade Germann, commander of the U.S. Army’s 3d Multi-Domain Task Force, the ability to employ multiple systems and different types of munitions creates complex challenges for any potential adversary.
Japan’s Evolving Defense Posture
Regional Context and Future Implications
The deployment of the Typhon system and the ongoing military exercises are taking place against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions. Just days before the system’s unveiling, Japan’s Defense Ministry reported sighting China’s newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, in the East China Sea. The carrier was spotted near the disputed Senkaku Islands, which Japan controls but is also claimed by China, where they are known as the Diaoyu Islands. This incident further highlights the strategic importance of the region and the potential for conflict. The presence of advanced U.S. military hardware in Japan is a clear signal of the United States’ commitment to its allies and its determination to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific. The long-term implications of these developments will be closely watched by all regional powers.
