Japan to Deploy Missiles on Island Near Taiwan by 2031

Published: 25 February 2026 . The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Japan has formally set a timeline to strengthen its air defence posture in the face of intensifying regional security concerns, announcing plans to station surface‑to‑air missile systems on Yonaguni Island, its westernmost territory located roughly 110 kilometres east of Taiwan, by March 2031. The move reflects Tokyo’s evolving defence policy and rising tensions with People’s Republic of China over security in the East and South China Seas.

Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said the government plans to deploy upgraded medium‑range surface‑to‑air missile systems there during fiscal 2030 — which runs from April 2030 to March 2031 — as part of its effort to bolster air defence in the southwestern island chain. This announcement is the first time Tokyo has provided a specific timeline for the deployment, which had been under consideration since at least 2022.

The proposed unit would operate modern surface‑to‑air missiles capable of intercepting hostile aircraft and potentially ballistic threats, helping defend Japan’s airspace in a region that is strategically close to Taiwan and China. The Defence Ministry is conducting preparatory work, including site development and facility planning, before actual deployment. Koizumi indicated that the schedule could shift depending on progress with constructing the necessary infrastructure.

Yonaguni’s strategic location — the Japanese island closest to Taiwan — has given it increasing prominence in Tokyo’s defence planning. It already hosts a small Japan Ground Self‑Defense Force presence focused on surveillance and monitoring of regional activity, and the addition of missile batteries would significantly strengthen Japan’s early‑warning and response capabilities.

The announcement comes amid heightened diplomatic friction between Japan and China. Beijing has repeatedly criticised Tokyo’s defence initiatives near Taiwan, regarding them as provocative and destabilising. In recent months, China imposed export restrictions on Japanese firms involved in defence work and has accused Japan of escalating regional tensions through military deployments.

Japan’s government under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has taken a more assertive stance on security, emphasising the need to prepare for potential contingencies involving Taiwan. Responses to Beijing’s growing military activity have included record defence budgets and deepening cooperation with allied partners.

Local leaders and defence officials are expected to hold briefings for island residents ahead of deployment preparations, underscoring the government’s intent to balance strategic imperatives with community concerns. Whether the 2031 timeline remains fixed will depend on political decisions, infrastructure readiness and broader geopolitical dynamics.

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