The United States is increasing the number of Tomahawk missiles in the Western Pacific through a combination of its own deployments and key sales to allies, most notably Japan and Australia
. Key initiatives include:
- Allied Acquisitions: Japan is acquiring 400 Tomahawk missiles (200 Block IV and 200 Block V) to enhance its counterstrike capabilities, with deliveries scheduled between fiscal years 2025 and 2027. These are being integrated into its Aegis-capable destroyers, with training and modifications already underway. Australia is also procuring Tomahawks for its Hobart-class destroyers.
- US Ground-Based Systems: The U.S. Army has developed the ground-launched Typhon weapon system, which can fire Tomahawks. A Typhon battery was deployed to the Philippines in 2024 and has participated in military exercises in Australia and Japan this year. These ground-based missiles are part of a strategy to deny adversaries, particularly China, access to key maritime passages like the Bashi Channel.
- Maritime Strike Tomahawk (MST): The U.S. Navy is deploying the new Maritime Strike Tomahawk (MST), an upgraded version designed to strike moving enemy ships at long range. This reflects a strategic shift toward countering naval threats in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Enhanced Platforms: The U.S. is positioning more of its most capable units in the Indo-Pacific, including nuclear-powered submarines capable of launching Tomahawk missiles. There are also plans to equip large autonomous sea drones with Tomahawks in the future.
These efforts are part of a broader U.S. and allied strategy to enhance deterrence against China and North Korea in the Indo-Pacific region.
