Japan Fires Anti-Ship Missile in Joint Drill as Regional Security Ties Deepen

Japan’s Japan Self-Defense Forces conducted a live missile strike during a joint maritime exercise with the United States, Australia, and the Philippines on Wednesday, targeting a decommissioned Philippine Navy vessel in waters facing the South China Sea.

The drill featured the launch of a Type 88 anti-ship missile, which successfully hit the BRP Quezon, according to Philippine military officials. The target vessel was struck within minutes of the launch during the exercise, which took place about 75 kilometres off the coast of Paoay in northern Philippines.

The live-fire exercise formed part of the annual Balikatan war games, a large-scale training event involving more than 17,000 troops. The drills are designed to strengthen coordination among allied forces and improve readiness in the region.

Senior officials from both countries observed the operation. Shinjiro Koizumi and Gilberto Teodoro were present at the launch site, while Ferdinand Marcos Jr. monitored the exercise remotely from Manila.

In a statement, the Philippine military said the exercise demonstrated coordinated maritime strike capabilities and reflected its growing ability to operate alongside international partners to support regional security and freedom of navigation.

The drill comes at a time of expanding defence cooperation between Tokyo and Manila. Japan and the Philippines have begun discussions on the potential transfer of military equipment, following Tokyo’s decision to ease long-standing restrictions on defence exports. Talks include the possible early transfer of Abukuma-class destroyers and TC-90 aircraft to the Philippines.

Philippine officials described the missile system used in the exercise as designed to strengthen coastal defence and deter maritime threats. Teodoro said the successful test marked a significant step forward and expressed hope that future exercises would grow in scale and participation.

This year’s Balikatan drills include, for the first time, active involvement from several additional partners, including Canada, Australia, France, and New Zealand. The expanded participation reflects a broader effort by Manila to deepen security ties amid ongoing regional tensions.

Earlier in the exercise period, US and Philippine forces deployed the NMESIS anti-ship missile system in Batanes province, near Taiwan, an area that has drawn increased attention due to rising geopolitical concerns.

China has repeatedly criticised such joint military activities, arguing that they contribute to instability in the region. Beijing maintains claims over much of the South China Sea, a position disputed by several neighbouring countries, including the Philippines.

The latest drills underscore a growing alignment among regional and Western partners, as countries seek to strengthen defence cooperation and maintain security in contested waters.