Tokyo, March 31 (QNA) – Japan’s Defense Ministry said Tuesday that long-range missiles with counterstrike capabilities have been brought into service at two Ground Self-Defense Force bases in the country.

The deployment of the missiles at Camp Kengun in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, and Camp Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, marks a shift from the country’s exclusively defense-oriented policy under its war-renouncing Constitution, according to Japan’s (Kyodo) news agency.

The ministry maintains the systems are essential for strengthening deterrence amid changes in the regional security environment.

According to the ministry, Camp Kengun has been equipped with a ground-launched version of the upgraded Type 12 land-to-ship guided missile that can fly about 1,000 kilometers and reach parts of the continental coastline from the Kyushu region.

Meanwhile, a training unit at Camp Fuji has been equipped with hyper velocity gliding projectiles for the defense of remote islands. (QNA)