The defense chief's statement sparked criticism from the opposition, who requested that Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida explain how they arrived at this exact figure.
"We are considering the purchase of at most 400 missiles," the prime minister specified.
Previously Japanese media reported that Tokyo is considering acquiring up to 400 US Tomahawk cruise missiles, сiting members of the nation's opposition parties.
Last week, Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada announced plans to sign a contract with the United States to buy Tomahawk cruise missiles through Washington's foreign military sales program. The Japanese authorities hope the contract will be signed in fiscal year 2023, which starts on April 1.
In mid-January, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met with US President Joe Biden to discuss further strengthening the military alliance between the two countries during his visit to Washington. At the meeting, Kishida indicated Tokyo's plans to buy hundreds of Tomahawk missiles in order to beef up Japan's defense capabilities. Prior to the leaders' meeting, Japanese media reported that Tokyo intended to buy up to 500 such missiles from the US by 2027.
Having a range of 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) and the capability of reaching North Korea and the Chinese coast, these Tomahawks will help Japan to maintain its missile potential until it develops its own weapon systems, according to Kyodo.