Japan eyes using Indian test ranges for powerful missiles and small attack drones

A surface-to-surface Agni V missile is launched from the testing range on Wheeler Island off the eastern Indian state of Odisha in April 2012. | Indian Defense Research and Development Organization / VIA REUTERS

Oct 27, 2026

Japan has dispatched officials to India to examine the possibility of using the South Asian nation’s missile ranges for testing long-range weapons, including its Type 25 anti-ship missile, as well as smaller attack drones, the Ground Self-Defense Force’s top uniformed officer said Tuesday.

GSDF Chief of Staff Gen. Masayoshi Arai told reporters that officials had been dispatched to India as part of efforts to determine how to conduct training that makes full use of the Type-25’s roughly 1,000-kilometer range — something he characterized as “a major challenge.” 

“We are currently examining this issue, including how to secure training environments domestically and, if necessary, how to utilize training environments overseas,” Arai said.

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