April 1, 2026

“If war breaks out, won’t our area be the first to be targeted?” Residents living near Self-Defense Forces bases, where the deployment of long-range missiles capable of striking enemy bases and the construction of large ammunition depots are underway, are voicing such concerns.

U.S. Central Command, which is leading the ongoing U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran, has recently released a “target list” that confirms these fears. The list identifies “missile manufacturing facilities and ammunition depots” and “surface-to-air missile facilities” as potential targets for an enemy attack.

The Ground SDF Camp Kengun in Kumamoto City (Kumamoto Pref.) in March saw the deployment of a long-range anti-ship guided missile system. Two new ammunition depots were also constructed there. The camp is home to the GSDF Western Army HQ, which is expected to assume command and control functions in the event of an armed conflict with, for example, China.

The U.S. list of attack targets includes “command and control centers” such as military headquarters. In other words, the Camp Kengun carries the risk of becoming a military target if the time comes.

Uchikura Hiroaki, head of the JSDF Joint Staff, stated at a press conference on March 13, “Possessing stand-off capabilities will lead to a further enhancement of our deterrence.”

However, the “national defense strategy”, one of the three key national security-related documents, envisages a scenario in which “deterrence fails.” While claiming to “enhance deterrence”, it acknowledges the possibility that “deterrence could fail.”

If Japan were to engage in a military conflict with other nations, its missile bases and ammunition depots could be attacked, resulting in potential death of civilians.