The US Army's ground-launched Typhon mid-range missile system took part in multinational exercises this year at Kanoya in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, and has since been withdrawn. China has repeatedly said it threatens regional strategic security.
Taiwan's Central News Agency reported on October 13 that the United States notified Japan's Defense Ministry on October 12 that the system had been pulled out. It was temporarily deployed in June at the Maritime Self-Defense Force's Kanoya Air Base, and Japan's ministry says it can carry Tomahawk long-range cruise missiles. No live firing took place during the deployment.
광고 문의 · 300×250Liberty Times reportedly covered Typhon training and deployment news on October 20, but we could not confirm that article's specific contents. This report relies on earlier coverage and publicly available facts.
Training sites and participants
Vietnam's VOV (June 23) reported that Typhon took part from Kanoya in the multinational exercise Valiant Shield 2026, held June 22 to July 1, and was due to move after the September Orient Shield drill involving Japan, the US and Australia. Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro said temporary deployment at Self-Defense Force facilities and repeated training would improve US rapid mobility and Japan-US coordination, VOV said.
Japan's Okinawa Defense Bureau announced in September that the withdrawn system would be stored at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, and the US said this does not mean permanent deployment in Japan, CNA reported. Kadena Town Mayor Toyama Hiroshi criticised the plan as ignoring residents' feelings and demanded its withdrawal. CNA reported no other official reactions.
China's reaction and regional context
According to VOV, China said Typhon threatens the region's strategic security, while Russia said it would raise tensions. Some analysts see Japan aiming to strengthen deterrence against China, while Beijing has raised concerns about a regional arms race. The positions are opposed, but it is confirmed that the Kanoya stay ended without live firing.
Typhon was also deployed in the Philippines during the 2024 US-Philippine drills. Taiwan Plus reported that in May the Philippines test-fired a Tomahawk from the launcher during Balikatan, though details were not confirmed. Reports have suggested the US may station a second Typhon system in the Pacific, but timing and location are not settled.