US to deploy missile weapons to Japanese islands – media

The United States will deploy missile units to islands southwest of Japan and the Philippines in the event of a crisis around Taiwan. This was reported by Kyodo News, citing sources of knowledge about the development of relations between Japan and the United States.

It was learned that the US Armed Forces will introduce temporary bases in the southwestern island of Nansei and the Philippines in Japan to deploy missile units in case of an “emergency situation around Taiwan”. This provision will be included in the first joint operational plan between the US and Japanese militaries developed to respond to a possible crisis. The plan should be completed by December.

The plan calls for the US to establish temporary bases in the uninhabited Nansei Islands, which stretch southwest from Kyushu to Taiwan, if growth around Taiwan becomes unavoidable. The 12th Marine Corps Regiment will be sent here, equipped with the HIMARS multiple launch rocket system. The Japan Self-Defense Forces are expected to provide logistical support, including providing the Marines with ammunition and fuel.

The US Army will also deploy a Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF) in the Philippines: its employees will have to operate on land, at sea, in the air, in space and cyberspace.

It was earlier reported that the United States and Japan began a joint 10-day military exercise called Keen Sword amid rising tensions between China and Taiwan.

Let’s recall that Taiwan has signed agreements with the US government for the supply of up to 1,000 AeroVironment and Anduril attack drones, which will strengthen the island’s defense capabilities.