The Pentagon has warned Japan to prepare for significant delays in the delivery of 400 Tomahawk cruise missiles, which were ordered under a $2.35 billion agreement aimed at enhancing Japan's counterstrike capabilities against China. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth conveyed this information to Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, indicating that the original timeline for delivery, expected by April 2028, could be pushed back by an additional two years. This delay stems from the U.S. military's urgent need to replenish stockpiles that were severely depleted during Operation Epic Fury against Iran, where over 1,000 Tomahawk missiles were used. The Tomahawk missile, capable of flying at low altitudes and striking targets up to 1,600 kilometers away, is crucial for Japan's defense strategy. In light of these delays, experts suggest Japan may need to accelerate its own missile development, including the extended-range Type 12 and Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile. Meanwhile, RTX Corp. has committed to increasing Tomahawk production to over 1,000 units annually, as per agreements with the Pentagon.