A Japanese destroyer has acquired the capability to launch U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missiles, the commander of the Maritime Self-Defense Force's fleet escort unit said Thursday.Refitting the Aegis-equipped Chokai for the purpose was completed at a U.S. naval base in San Diego, California. It marks a milestone in Tokyo's bid to strengthen its "counterstrike capabilities" in an increasingly severe regional security environment as China and North Korea continue their military buildup.The MSDF plans for the destroyer to conduct a live-fire test of the Tomahawk missile off the coast of San Dieg…READ FULL ARTICLE
