US May Deploy Mobile Anti-Ship Missile in Joint Exercise With Japan
The US military is considering deploying the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) in a planned joint war game with Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force next month.
The annual bilateral Resolute Dragon exercise aims to bolster the defense capabilities of the US-Japan alliance, particularly to defend Japan’s remote islands.
Planned for September 11 to 25, the exercise will take place across Japan, including in the southern Kyushu region (notably Okinawa Prefecture), the northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido, and Iwo Jima, located approximately 760 miles (1,220 kilometers) off the mainland coast, according to Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK).
Approximately 12,000 Japanese and 1,900 US military personnel are expected to participate in the exercise, which may include live-fire drills featuring rocket artillery.
According to NHK, the deployment of the NMESIS anti-ship weapon system is also being considered at Camp Ishigaki in Okinawa.
NMESIS Anti-Ship System
Inducted in 2023, the system features a pair of Naval Strike Missiles mounted on an unmanned Joint Light Tactical Vehicle chassis.
The mobile system can be rapidly deployed by air and is capable of targeting naval threats at distances of up to 115 miles (185 kilometers).
It is a key element of the US military’s distributed maritime operations concept, which emphasizes force dispersion and the integration of manned and unmanned assets.
To Contain Chinese Navy
The system’s potential deployment in Japan follows its initial deployment in the Philippines during a bilateral exercise earlier this year.
Both countries are part of the US’ First Island Chain maritime strategy, which aims to contain the Chinese Navy within East Asian waters in the event of a conflict.
Meanwhile, China conducted joint naval drills with Russia in the Sea of Japan in August, aimed at “deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership” between the two countries.
The three-day exercise, which involved four Chinese vessels — including guided-missile destroyers — featured submarine rescue operations, joint anti-submarine warfare, air defense and anti-missile drills, and maritime combat exercises.
