Japan eyes India missile ranges for long-range weapon tests

Last Updated:October 29, 2026, 08:14 IST

India and Japan maintain a Special Strategic and Global Partnership rooted in shared democratic values, economic cooperation, and close maritime and defence cooperation

A file image of India’s Agni V missile (Credit: DRDO via Reuters)

Japan has dispatched officials to India to look into the possibility of using the country’s missile ranges for testing long-range weapons, including its Type 25 anti-ship missile, as well as smaller attack drones, the Ground Self-Defense Force’s top uniformed officer said Tuesday.

According to GSDF Chief of Staff General Masayoshi Arai, officials were sent to India as part of efforts to examine how to conduct training that allows full use of the Type-25’s roughly 1,000-kilometre range, reported the Japan Times.

“We are currently examining this issue, including how to secure training environments domestically and, if necessary, how to utilise training environments overseas,” he said.

Officials were dispatched to India earlier this month, NHK reported. So far, they have inspected several sites in the country over about a week.

Tokyo is also eyeing weapon ranges abroad for more than just its longer-range missiles. Arai said the officials in India also discussed the possibility of conducting tests of small attack drones at the ranges.

Japan is planning a multilayered coastal defence network featuring large numbers of low-cost unmanned aerial, surface and underwater vehicles for surveillance and strike missions, alongside standoff missiles capable of hitting targets from beyond an enemy’s engagement range, according to the Japan Times.

India-Japan Ties

India and Japan maintain a Special Strategic and Global Partnership rooted in shared democratic values, economic cooperation, and close maritime and defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

In July, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made her maiden visit to India to attend the 16th India-Japan annual summit in New Delhi alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders also held bilateral talks and reviewed the Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

Discussions centred on economic security, supply chain resilience, defence manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), clean energy, and a free Indo-Pacific.

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Why did Japan dispatch officials to India regarding its military testing?

Japan dispatched officials to India to explore using the country’s missile ranges for testing long-range weapons, including the Type 25 anti-ship missile and smaller attack drones. This initiative aims to accommodate training requirements for the Type-25’s roughly 1,000-kilometre range.

What is the purpose of Japan’s planned multilayered coastal defence network?

Japan plans to build a multilayered coastal defence network utilizing a large number of low-cost unmanned aerial, surface, and underwater vehicles for surveillance and strike missions. It will also feature standoff missiles designed to strike targets from beyond an enemy’s engagement range.

Which recent high-level diplomatic meeting took place between India and Japan?

In July, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi traveled to India for her maiden visit to attend the 16th India-Japan annual summit in New Delhi alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the meeting, both leaders held bilateral talks to review their Special Strategic and Global Partnership, focusing on economic security, supply chain resilience, and defence manufacturing.

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Meemansa ShekhawatSub-editor

A Journalism graduate, Meemansa Shekhawat is a sub-editor at News18. Driven by a keen interest in news, she is a passionate writer with specialisation in national and international affairs. You can re…Read More

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