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US plans to deploy ship-killer missiles to Japan's Yonaguni for Keen Sword

Andre Savage
Published Oct 2, 2026
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Summary:
  • The US plans to move the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System to Yonaguni later this month during Keen Sword, the first time the system would be positioned on the island for a major drill.
  • A schedule posted Friday on Yonaguni's website says Japan may also field its own anti-ship and surface-to-air missile units, with additional gear like electronic warfare vehicles in the mix.
  • Beijing objected last year, with a Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman warning that Japan's 2030 plan to permanently base surface-to-air missiles on Yonaguni would "create regional tension and provoke military confrontation," while Chinese state media criticized the US for sending NMESIS to the Philippines for exercises.

What's being deployed and when

A person familiar with the plans says the US aims to place the NMESIS anti-ship system on Yonaguni during this month's bilateral Keen Sword drills. The system's reach is about 115 miles, which would cover waters around Taiwan. Keen Sword runs Oct. 19 to 29 and spans Japan's southern island chain.

Why Yonaguni matters

At 110 kilometers (68 miles) from Taiwan to the east, Yonaguni is Japan's nearest spot to the democratically governed island that China also claims. A drill outline posted Friday on the island's site indicates Japan may bring coastal anti-ship missiles and surface-to-air systems to the training, along with equipment such as electronic warfare vehicles. That would be a clear step up from previous activity there.

Last year, US forces practiced moving supplies onto Yonaguni to rehearse setting up a forward operating base for a potential regional emergency.

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The bigger backdrop

Keen Sword is held every two years and ranks among the largest US-Japan joint exercises. Both governments are shaping training to feel more real for scenarios that include a potential Chinese attempt to seize Taiwan.

After a recent summit in New York with President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi highlighted the strength of the alliance. Meanwhile, Beijing has urged her to retract remarks from last year implying that Japan could activate its armed forces as part of a joint operation to protect Taiwan from an invasion.

What this could mean for your money

Bigger, closer-to-the-action drills near Taiwan hint at more sustained defense activity, shipping route sensitivities, and shifting risk premiums across the region. If your work or wallet touches Asia-linked supply chains, travel, or trade, watch how often these systems show up in exercises and which assets are being moved around.

Whatever headlines you read, steady contributions build wealth slowly, so download the free Always Be Buying E-Book for guidance

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