Is East Asia entering a missile age? Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan rearm

The prospect of a major conflict in East Asia is no longer confined to strategic forecasts, as military planning across the region increasingly reflects scenarios involving China and North Korea. In response, countries closely aligned with the United States – Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan – are accelerating the development of missile capabilities that would play a central role in any such confrontation. Expanding strike ranges, improving survivability, and preparing for operations across land and sea are becoming integral to their defense strategies, shaped by the expectation that future crises may unfold rapidly and with little room for hesitation.

Three of the region’s most technologically advanced economies are increasingly investing in missile capabilities that reflect not only their industrial potential, but also a shared perception of escalating risk along their borders and across nearby seas. Decisions made in these capitals are beginning to translate into longer ranges, more flexible strike options, and systems designed for scenarios that, until recently, remained largely theoretical.