Japan’s military test-fired a missile on Japanese territory for the first time Tuesday, as the country accelerates its military buildup.
The Type 88 surface-to-ship, short-range missile was tested at the Shizunai Anti-Air Firing Range on Japan’s northernmost main island of Hokkaido.
The Ground Self-Defence Force’s 1st Artillery Brigade used a training missile to target a boat with no crew about 40 kilometres (24 miles) off the island’s southern coast.
Due to space limitations and safety concerns, Japan conducted past missile tests in the United States, a treaty ally, and Australia, a top Japanese defence partner where vast training grounds are available.
The military said the test was successful. It plans another through Sunday.