Trailer-mounted command-and-control system (left) and missile launcher — September 15, Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. (©Sankei by Kotaro Hikono)
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The United States Army's medium-range missile system, Typhon, was unveiled to the press on September 15 at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Its launcher and command vehicle were displayed in front of a hangar.
The deployment is part of Resolute Dragon, an annual bilateral exercise primarily involving the US Marine Corps and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, focused on defending island regions.
Around 19,000 personnel from both countries have been taking part in the exercise since September 11, with operations conducted in Kyushu, Okinawa, and Hokkaido.
Typhon Capabilities
Typhon is the US Army's most advanced missile system, capable of launching Tomahawk cruise missiles and SM-6 surface-to-air missiles. Trailer-mounted and fully mobile, this marks its first deployment in Japan. The exercise simulates anti-ship combat scenarios and includes tasks such as loading ammunition.
Colonel Wade Germann, commander of the US Army's 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force (3MDTF), said the exercise allowed them to operate closely with the Marine Corps and provided an opportunity to work with their ally, the Japan Self-Defense Forces. He added that it enabled them to learn from each other's systems and equipment, improve tactical interoperability, and strengthen ties through personnel exchanges.
No actual missile launches took place, and the system will be taken back after the exercise. Resolute Dragon is scheduled to continue until September 25.
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Author: Kotaro Hikono, The Sankei Shimbun
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