Japan's long-range strike capability development

Japan's F-2 fighter has been spotted test-flying a new large stealth cruise missile, likely the air-launched Type 25 SSM with ~1,000 km range. This confirms Tokyo's rapid shift to long-range counterstrike capability, adding to existing Tomahawk (JSDF Haguro test-fired), hypersonic, and JSM acquisitions. The stealth features and range challenge China's A2/AD and escalate the deterrence competition. This development complicates Japan's defensive posture narrative. A new analysis highlights the paradox of US 'unleashing militarism' and the vulnerability of Japan's SW islands bases.