North Korea Threatens “Additional Military Options” Over Japan’s Tomahawk Missile Test

On July 29, the Japanese destroyer JS Chokai (DDG-176) launched a U.S.–made Tomahawk cruise missile, Japan’s first test-firing of the long-range weapon. The next day, Kim Yo-jong — sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong un and senior Workers’ Party official — issued a KCNA statement condemning the launch, labeling Japan a “war criminal state” and warning that the DPRK would set up “additional military options” in response.

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Japan’s post-World-II constitution limits its forces to self-defence, but a 2022 National Security Strategy authorized “counter-strike capabilities” against enemy missile sites. In 2024 Japan agreed to purchase 400 Tomahawk missiles from the United States, with deliveries slated for 2025-2027, and has been expanding launch infrastructure on remote islands.

North Korea slams Japan's military buildup, accusing Tokyo of pursuing rearmament

The United States has deepened security cooperation with Japan, including joint exercises in the Philippines and plans to upgrade U.S. Forces Japan to a joint-force headquarters. North Korea repeatedly frames such cooperation as “U.S.-driven militarisation” and accuses Tokyo and Seoul of serving as Washington’s “shock brigade” in the Indo-Pacific.

United Press International (UPI)

• Tomahawk range: roughly 1,600-2,500 km, capable of striking targets across the Pacific.

North Korea slams Japan's military buildup, accusing Tokyo of pursuing rearmament

• Japan’s 2025 defence budget: $62.2 billion, a 9.7 % increase from the prior year.

North Korea condemns Japan’s Tomahawk missile test

• Planned Tomahawk acquisition: 400 missiles, deliveries 2025-2027.

North Korea slams Japan's military buildup, accusing Tokyo of pursuing rearmament

• Kim Yo-jong said the DPRK’s armed forces would establish “additional military options” because of Japan’s “greediness” and “pre-emptive attack capability.”

South China Morning Post

• Japan’s Ministry of Defence (confirmation to AFP): Verified the July 29 Tomahawk launch as the first such test by the Self-Defense Forces and framed the exercise as part of deterrence efforts against regional threats, including North Korea’s missile program.

North Korea condemns Japan’s Tomahawk missile test

The exchange highlights heightened security competition in Northeast Asia. Japan’s acquisition of long-range strike weapons expands its operational reach, potentially altering the strategic calculus of neighboring states. North Korea’s threat to adopt “additional military options” signals a willingness to broaden its arsenal or conduct provocative actions, raising the risk of miscalculation. The rhetoric also reflects friction over historical grievances, with Kim invoking Japan’s wartime legacy while accusing the United States of exploiting regional allies.

United Press International (UPI)

All cited outlets agree the Tomahawk test occurred on July 29 and that Kim Yo-jong issued a condemnatory KCNA statement the next day. No source reports an immediate escalation or concrete details about the nature of the “additional military options” the DPRK might employ. Information on North Korea’s specific planned responses remains absent, leaving analysts to monitor future developments for concrete actions.

TRT World

The KCNA statement did not specify a timeline for any new DPRK measures. Observers note that regional security dialogues and missile-defence postures will likely intensify as Japan integrates Tomahawk missiles into its fleet and the United States expands its command structure in Japan. Monitoring of both nations’ military activities in the coming weeks will gauge whether rhetoric translates into operational changes.

North Korea condemns Japan’s Tomahawk missile test