Japan signed a missile purchase contract with the United States

Japan signed a contract with the United States to purchase 400 "Battle Axe" missiles, and the US ambassador praised Japan's military strength.
According to Voice of America, Japan signed an agreement with the United States on January 18 to purchase 400 cruise missiles called "Battle Axe". This is part of Japan's efforts to strengthen its military to counter regional threats.
The Japanese government has pledged to increase annual defense spending by 10 trillion yen ($68 billion) by 2027, making Japan the third-largest military spender in the world after the United States and China.
In December last year, Defense Minister Minoru Kihara decided to accelerate the deployment of some "Battle Axe" missiles and Japan's Type 12 surface-to-ship cruise missiles from fiscal year 2025. The plan was pushed forward a year from the original plan. It is reported that the training of Japanese soldiers in the operation of the "Battle Axe" missile will begin in March.
With threats from China and North Korea, Japan is facing its worst security environment since World War II. This security environment forced Japan to strengthen military cooperation with the United States, Australia, Britain and other allied countries.