Japan Test-Fires Anti-Ship Missile in Major Balikatan Drill Near South China Sea

The exercise marks Japan’s growing military role in the region as it strengthens security cooperation with the Philippines.

Japanese army Maj. Gen. Toshikatsu Musha (L) and Japanese navy Rear Adm. Izuru Ikeuchi strike poses during the opening ceremonies of the joint military exercise dubbed "Balikatan," or "shoulder to shoulder," drills at Camp Aguinaldo military headquarters in Quezon city, Philippines, on April 20, 2026. Aaron Favila /AP Photo

Japan’s Self-Defense Forces fired a Type 88 surface-to-ship missile on May 6 during a joint maritime exercise with U.S., Philippine, and Australian forces in the northern Philippines.

The live-fire drill hit a decommissioned Philippine Navy vessel, the BRP Quezon, in waters facing the South China Sea. It took place about 75 kilometers (about 47 miles) off the coast of Paoay in Ilocos Norte province.