TOKYO, Japan: Japan's deployed its first long-range missile at a southwestern army camp, officials said on March 31.

With the country pushing to bolster its offensive capabilities, the upgraded Type-12 land-to-ship missiles, developed and produced by Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, became operational at Camp Kengun in Kumamoto prefecture.

Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said that the country is facing a very serious and complicated security situation, the worst since World War II. He explained that improving Japan's military strength is very important for preventing attacks and responding quickly. He added that this shows Japan is determined and capable of defending itself.

The upgraded Type-12 missile can now travel about 1,000 kilometers, much farther than its earlier range of 200 kilometers. This means it could reach parts of mainland China.

With these longer-range missiles, Japan now has a "standoff" ability, allowing it to hit enemy targets from a distance. This is a major change from Japan's earlier policy of only focusing on self-defense under its pacifist constitution.

Some local residents protested near the Kengun camp, saying that placing missiles in residential areas could increase tensions and make them a target in case of conflict.

On the same day, Japan also deployed a new hypersonic glide vehicle at Camp Fuji, west of Tokyo, to strengthen island defense. More of these systems and upgraded missiles are planned to be placed across the country, including in Hokkaido and Miyazaki, by March 2028.

Japan is also planning to install U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missiles, which have a range of about 1,600 kilometers, on its destroyer JS Chokai later this year, and on several other ships in the future.

Japan sees China as its biggest security concern in the region and has been strengthening defenses on its southwestern islands near the East China Sea.

In December, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government approved a record defense budget of over 9 trillion yen for the next financial year. The plan focuses on improving strike-back abilities and coastal defense using missiles and unmanned systems.

Last June, Japan observed two Chinese aircraft carriers operating simultaneously near its remote Pacific islands for the first time, raising concerns about China's expanding military reach.

The defense minister also recently announced a new office to study China's activities in the Pacific.

Tensions have grown further since Takaichi said in November that if China takes military action against Taiwan, Japan might respond militarily.