Typhon missile system: U.S. and Japan to withdraw
China has urged the U.S. and Japan to withdraw the U.S.-developed Typhon missile system
- Unveiled for the first time in Japan during the Resolute Dragon joint exercises at Iwakuni air station. Japan confirmed the system would not be fired but said its deployment strengthens deterrence amid a worsening security environment. Beijing expressed strong opposition, accusing the two countries of ignoring its concerns.
- The Typhon system, part of U.S. Army modernization, is a truck-based launcher using modified SM-6 and Tomahawk missiles.
- Typhon Missile System developer: United States Army, as part of its Mid-Range Capability (MRC) program under Army modernization.
- Publicly showcased in Japan in 2025 during the Resolute Dragon joint exercises.
- Platform: Truck-based, trailer-mounted ground launch system.
- Missile Types: Launches modified versions of
- SM-6 (Standard Missile-6): Surface-to-air missile with extended range, capable of ballistic and cruise missile defense, as well as anti-ship roles.
- Tomahawk cruise missile: Long-range, precision strike, land-attack missile.
- Range Category: Falls into the mid-range missile class (roughly 500–1,800 km)
- Purpose: Designed to fill the gap between shorter-range systems (like HIMARS) and long-range hypersonic weapons, giving the U.S. Army the ability to strike ships and land targets.
- Strategic Significance: Enhances U.S. and allied deterrence capabilities in the Indo-Pacific, but seen by China as destabilizing to regional security.
