US to Deploy Missiles on Japanese Island Bases for Taiwan Conflict

The US will set up temporary military bases in Japan’s Nansei island chain to deploy missile units in the event of a Taiwan contingency, Kyodo News reported, citing sources. 

The 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, based in Okinawa, Japan, will be deployed in the island chain that stretches southwest from Japan's Kyushu to Taiwan, the Japanese outlet added citing sources.

It is one of two littoral regiments of the US Marine Corps designed for maneuvering and operation in the maritime domain, featuring amphibious platforms, connectors, and boats.

The regiments are meant to operate with low signature, mobility, and persistence to blunt enemy layers.

The first joint operation plan for the US and Japan, to be formulated in December, will incorporate the proposal, according to Kyodo News.

The Japan Self Defense Forces is expected to provide logistical support for the unit, including the supply of fuel and ammunition.

Meanwhile, Tokyo last year approved the development of a cruise missile to target warships moving toward its islands.

Along with conventional warheads, the indigenous missile will be able to deploy reconnaissance and radar-jamming payloads for enhanced accuracy.

Also being planned is the deployment of hundreds of one-way attack drones for island protection.

Meanwhile, the US Army will deploy long-range fire units of its Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF) in the Philippines for a possible Taiwan conflict, according to Kyodo News.

The MDTF is capable of operating in the air, land, water, space, cyber, and information domains.

If confirmed, this would depart from Manila’s previous stance of not allowing the bases for any offensive actions.

Last year, the Philippines upgraded the number of bases available to the US military from five to nine.