Japan plans to establish a surface-to-ship missile training range on Minamitori Island for long-range strike capabilities and counterstrikes.

Japan plans to establish a surface-to-ship missile training range on Minamitori Island, its easternmost island, to strengthen long-range strike capabilities and acquire counterstrike capabilities targeting enemy territory in emergencies. The training site would be the first in Japan for missiles with a range over 100 km. This move is part of Tokyo's strategy to deter attacks and marks a shift from Japan's exclusively defense-oriented policy in the post-war era.