DNA Explained: Why Japan is eyeing Indian ranges for Type-25 missile trials

Japan is exploring the possibility of using Indian military ranges for training with long-range anti-ship missiles and attack drones, as Tokyo seeks to expand its defence capabilities amid growing security concerns in the Indo-Pacific. Japanese officials recently visited India to assess potential facilities, with Odisha’s Chandipur emerging as a possible location, although no final decision on the venue or the proposed exercises has been announced.

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In today’s episode of DNA, Zee News Managing Editor Rahul Sinha examined the potential implications of the proposed arrangement for India-Japan defence cooperation and regional security.

The discussions come as Japan looks for suitable locations to train with weapons whose range and operational requirements pose challenges for exercises within its own territory. According to reports, the systems under consideration include the Type-25 anti-ship missile and small attack drones linked to Japan’s planned SHIELD coastal defence programme.

Japan scouts Indian military ranges for weapons training

Japanese officials travelled to India earlier this month and spent around a week inspecting potential training facilities and firing ranges. Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff, General Masayoshi Arai, confirmed on October 27 that personnel had been sent to coordinate with India on possible training arrangements.

Arai said Japan was examining options both at home and overseas to make better use of the range of its surface-to-ship missiles. He also indicated that the possibility of training with small attack drones abroad was being considered. However, the specific range, weapons to be used and timing of any exercises have not been finalised.

Chandipur, on Odisha’s coast along the Bay of Bengal, is among India’s established missile testing facilities. Its location and access to extensive maritime firing areas make it a potential option for long-range weapons training, although reports have not confirmed that Japan has selected the site.

Type-25 missile: Japan’s long-range anti-ship weapon

One of the systems drawing attention is Japan’s Type-25 surface-to-ship guided missile, which has a reported range of around 1,000 kilometres. The missile is designed to allow Japanese forces to engage maritime targets from considerable distances, reflecting Tokyo’s efforts to strengthen its ability to respond to potential threats at sea.

The Type-25 represents a substantial increase in range compared with earlier systems such as the Type-12. Its extended reach also creates a training challenge: Japanese forces need access to sufficiently large and secure areas to practise deploying and operating the weapon while making effective use of its capabilities.

Japan deployed the Type-25 at Camp Kengun in Kumamoto Prefecture in March 2026. The weapon was also displayed during the Keen Sword joint exercise with the United States in October, although the reported demonstration did not involve a missile launch.

Access to suitable ranges in India could give Japan another option for training with long-range weapons. The proposal also comes against the backdrop of tensions involving China and concerns about the security of maritime routes in the Indo-Pacific.

Why India could be a suitable location for missile training

India’s eastern coastline offers access to large maritime areas that can support certain types of missile testing and military training. The Integrated Test Range at Chandipur is already used for Indian missile trials, making the broader region relevant to discussions about potential overseas training arrangements.

Using an overseas range could also help Japan address practical constraints associated with conducting long-range exercises at home. However, claims that training in India would prevent China from monitoring sensitive technical information remain assessments rather than confirmed outcomes of any proposed agreement.

For now, the talks concern the availability of suitable training environments. They should not be interpreted as confirmation that Japan has received approval to conduct missile trials at Chandipur or that a specific weapons system has been selected for use in India.

Japan’s SHIELD programme aims to expand drone-based coastal defence

Alongside missile training, Japan is considering overseas training environments for small attack drones that could form part of its planned SHIELD coastal defence network. SHIELD stands for Synchronized, Hybrid, Integrated and Enhanced Littoral Defense, a programme intended to combine unmanned systems with other capabilities to protect Japan’s coastlines.

The proposed network is designed to use aerial, surface and underwater drones for surveillance and attack missions. Aerial platforms could monitor areas and engage targets, while unmanned surface and underwater vehicles could support maritime surveillance and operations against hostile forces.

These systems would rely on sensors and communication networks to identify potential threats and coordinate responses. By using unmanned platforms for certain missions, Japan aims to reduce the risks faced by personnel while developing a more distributed coastal defence capability.

Training with such systems presents its own challenges, including radio-frequency management, communications, safety and coordination with local authorities. Japanese officials are therefore examining both domestic and overseas options for exercises involving small attack drones.

India-Japan defence partnership gains momentum

The proposed training arrangement comes amid efforts by New Delhi and Tokyo to expand their strategic and defence ties. Both countries have increasingly emphasised cooperation in defence equipment, technology and military exercises as they respond to a changing regional security environment.

India and Japan have also participated in joint military activities, including air and maritime exercises. Their cooperation forms part of a broader commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, alongside other partners such as Australia and the United States.

Japan has described India as an important partner in its defence policy. Its 2026 Defence White Paper also highlighted defence equipment and technology cooperation with India as an important element of the bilateral relationship.

On October 28, 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met his Japanese counterpart, Shinjiro Koizumi, on the sidelines of the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Cebu, the Philippines. The discussions focused on strengthening the strategic partnership. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles also met the two ministers, with Singh referring to the grouping as “JAI”, representing Japan, Australia and India.

North Korea’s missile launches add to regional security concerns

Japan’s search for additional training options is taking place amid wider security concerns involving China and North Korea. However, developments involving the two countries represent distinct challenges for Tokyo, ranging from maritime security and regional military activity to North Korea’s ballistic missile programme.

North Korea has repeatedly conducted missile launches that Japan views as a threat to regional stability. Such launches have prompted Tokyo to monitor developments closely and raise objections through diplomatic channels.

Against this backdrop, Japan’s discussions with India reflect its efforts to expand training options for increasingly capable weapons systems. If the proposal moves forward, it could create new opportunities for defence cooperation between the two countries. For now, however, the possibility remains under consideration, with the location, timing and scope of any exercises yet to be confirmed.

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