US to deploy NMESIS anti-ship system on Japanese island closest to Taiwan for first time
The US is set to deploy one of its signature anti-ship missile systems to the Japanese island closest to Taiwan, an unprecedented move that comes as tensions in the region between Beijing and Tokyo continue to simmer. The ground-based US uncrewed missile platform known as the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) will be deployed on Yonaguni Island in Japan’s Okinawa…
The United States plans to deploy its anti-ship missile system, NMESIS, to Yonaguni Island, Japan's westernmost island near Taiwan, for the first time. This unprecedented move will take place during biennial joint exercises, Keen Sword, from October 19 to 29. Yonaguni, situated just 110km from Taiwan, will host the system, which is more than Okinawa's Ishigaki Island where it was stationed previously.
The deployment aims to strengthen joint defense training between US and Japanese forces and support island-defence tactics. NMESIS is a ground-based unmanned missile platform, capable of targeting and sinking enemy warships from coastal or island positions, with a range exceeding 185km. The system will reinforce US and Japan's military presence in the region, a crucial area for China's growing coastal and naval operations.
Written by urgent.news from Reuters Business via SCMP's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
