U.S. Removes Medium-Range Missile System from Japan

Japan’s Ministry of Defense reported on Nov. 17 that the U.S. has removed its Typhon missile system from Iwakuni base in Japan, reported Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo. The missiles had been stationed there in September of this year for the “Resolute Dragon 2025” U.S.-Japan military exercises. The land-based Typhon missile launcher, developed by U.S. firm Lockheed Martin, can fire both SM-6 anti-aircraft missiles with a range of over 400 km, as well as Tomahawk cruise missiles with a range of 1,600-1,800 km. These distances obviously put both Russian and Chinese cities within range, and, as such, it garnered strong responses from both nations earlier this year. China demanded the immediate withdrawal of Typhon in September, calling it an action that “seriously threatens regional security,” while Russia criticized the move, stating that “the United States is causing instability by deploying mid-range launch capabilities in East Asia as well.”