US deploys anti-ship missiles to Japanese island near Taiwan for the first time

The island will for the first time host the NMESIS mobile anti-ship missile system and the MADIS short-range air defense system. They are planned for use during the joint US-Japanese Keen Sword exercises, which will take place from October 19 to 29. The Ministry of Defense of Japan announced preparations for the maneuvers earlier this month.

The deployment of armaments reflects changes in the strategy of the US Marine Corps. Previously, its tactics were largely based on amphibious landings, but now, as part of the Force Design modernization program, small mobile missile units, drones, and reconnaissance play an increasingly important role. At the same time, the Marine Corps is phasing out some heavy equipment, including tanks.

The task of the new units is to make the adjacent maritime areas dangerous for enemy ships, especially in the event of a military conflict around Taiwan.

Yonaguni is the southwesternmost island of Japan's Nansei island chain. It is located near an important maritime corridor on the approaches to Taiwan, between Japan's southwestern islands, the East China Sea, and the Philippine Sea. According to the article's authors, in the event of a war around Taiwan, this area could become one of the key theaters of operations.

The strategic importance of the island is understood in both Tokyo and Beijing. As early as 2016, Japan stationed a radar observation post there, and China is increasing the activity of its ships in the surrounding waters. During Chinese military exercises in 2022, according to available data, one of the ballistic missiles fell approximately 80 kilometers from the island.

"Although the island is small, its geographical position gives it enormous military significance," The National Interest notes.

The NMESIS complex consists of ROGUE-Fires unmanned vehicles equipped with launchers for two NSM anti-ship missiles. The missiles were developed by the Norwegian company Kongsberg, and the defense concern RTX, also known as Raytheon, is involved in their production and integration in the US.

NSM missiles fly at subsonic speed, staying close to the water's surface. Their stated flight range is about 185 kilometers, although actual characteristics depend on the modification and usage conditions. From Yonaguni, they will be able to threaten ships in the waters northeast of Taiwan but will not be able to control the entire strait between the island and mainland China.

The MADIS system is designed to protect Marines from drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft. For this, it uses sensors and weapons mounted on vehicles. According to the article's authors, such defense is especially important for isolated missile units that could become targets for Chinese strikes. Larger air defense systems may not be able to come to their aid in time.

In 2025, the US Marine Corps already deployed the NMESIS complex on the Japanese island of Ishigaki, which is further from Taiwan. For now, there is no talk of a permanent deployment of American missiles on Yonaguni. However, the exercises will demonstrate how quickly such armaments can be deployed to the region in the event of a crisis.

During the maneuvers, the US and Japan will open a joint coordination center at a Japanese Self-Defense Forces base.

Japan itself also plans to deploy medium-range anti-aircraft missiles on Yonaguni. In November 2025, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs called these plans "a deliberate attempt to create tension in the region and provoke military confrontation."

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