US Deploys Typhon Missile System in Japan, Drawing Criticism from China and Russia

The United States showcased its intermediate-range Typhon missile system in Japan on Monday, marking its first demonstration in the country. This move has elicited strong reactions from both China and Russia. The U.S. has previously deployed a Typhon system in the Philippines, and Australia has also utilized the missile system. The deployment occurred during the ‘Resolute Dragon 2025’ military exercise, which involved approximately 20,000 US and Japanese military personnel. The Typhon system is capable of launching Tomahawk cruise missiles with a range of up to 1,600 kilometers, along with SM-6 interceptors. This range allows it to potentially target areas along China’s eastern border and portions of Russia. Colonel Wade Germann, commander of the task force, emphasized that the deployment of diverse systems and munitions could create strategic challenges for adversaries, and that the rapid deployment of the Typhon system facilitates their operational objectives. Both China and Russia have expressed concerns, accusing the United States of escalating an arms race within the region.