Japan fires missiles in South China Sea ship-sinking drill
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · May 10
Japan fires missiles in South China Sea ship-sinking drill
14 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · May 10
With US, Australian and Philippine forces, Japan joined Wednesday's exercise off Ilocos Norte in the northern Philippines, sending combat troops there for the first time since World War Two.
The drill practised sinking an enemy ship and highlighted Tokyo's expanding military role alongside regional allies near contested waters claimed by China.
The move marks a significant post-war shift for Japan, signalling greater readiness to project force on China's doorstep as security cooperation with Manila, Washington and Canberra deepens.
With Japanese troops back in the Philippines, is Asia witnessing the birth of a new anti-China military alliance?
Can Japan's new long-range missiles truly neutralize China's naval advantage along the First Island Chain?
Balikatan 2026: Japan’s Historic Missile Launch and the Rise of Multinational Deterrence in the Indo-Pacific
Overview
In May 2026, Japan’s Self-Defense Forces made history by launching their Type 88 anti-ship missile during the Balikatan military drills in the Philippines. This landmark event highlights the growing defense cooperation between Japan and the Philippines and sends a strong message about the Indo-Pacific security environment. Developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the Type 88 missile is based on the earlier ASM-1 model. The Balikatan 2026 exercises, featuring this live-fire demonstration, clearly signal that now is not the time to use force or change the status quo in the region, reinforcing collective deterrence among allies.