The U.S. is delaying Tomahawk deliveries to Japan due to depleted stockpiles, according to the FT
The U.S. military campaign in the Middle East has led to significant delays in the fulfillment of defense contracts with allies, particularly with Japan.
This was reported by the Financial Times.
According to the publication, Washington has warned Tokyo of a delay in the delivery of 400 long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles, as the Pentagon is forced to redirect resources to replenish its own stockpiles.
The reason is the significant depletion of U.S. stocks of precision-guided weapons due to combat operations, particularly the campaign against Iran.
As noted, in early May 2026, a closed-door telephone conversation took place between U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hagseth and his Japanese counterpart Shinjirō Koizumi, during which the American side reported that it would be impossible to deliver the missile weapons on time.
The report states that the U.S. is forced to revise delivery schedules due to the priority of replenishing its own weapons stockpiles.
It was previously reported that similar delays have already affected other U.S. allies, including the United Kingdom and Poland.
For Japan, the situation is particularly sensitive: the country ordered Tomahawk missiles in 2024 to strengthen its deterrence against China. These missiles have a range of about 1,600 km, which potentially allows for strikes on the Chinese coast.
The total value of the contract is estimated at $2.35 billion, and its signing is part of Tokyo’s strategy to strengthen its defense capabilities amid growing tensions in the region.
The Japanese government, led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, has decided to lift some restrictions on the export of lethal weapons to other countries. The move is explained by the deteriorating security situation in the Asia-Pacific region and changes in the international policies of allies.
