The Digester
war

US delays Tomahawk deliveries to Japan as missiles diverted to Iran

Washington has warned Tokyo that deliveries of about 400 Tomahawk missiles ordered in 2024 may be disrupted after US use of missiles in strikes on Iran depleted inventories.

Apr 3rd 2026 · Japan

Insights

  • Japan ordered about 400 Tomahawk missiles in a $2.35 billion deal signed in 2024.
  • The US had about 4,000 Tomahawks in stockpiles before the campaign, including older and anti-ship variants.
  • RTX produced about 100 new missiles in 2025 and upgraded about 240 older missiles to Block V before the campaign, but officials say over two years of combined production has been used so far.
  • Washington told Tokyo shipments will be disrupted because priority is resupplying operations linked to strikes on Iran.
  • Tokyo received an initial shipment, but it is unclear whether the March 2028 completion deadline can be met.

Sources