The US Department of State has approved a possible deal worth an estimated US$200 million to provide capability support for Japan’s Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile (HVGP) programme, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on 10 March.
DSCA noted that the proposed sale of equipment and services for Tokyo’s HVGP programme will be carried out via the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) mechanism and includes testing and transportation support and co-ordination meetings between the US and Japan.
“The proposed sale will improve Japan’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing defence for remote islands,” said the DSCA.
Earlier in February, the Japan Ministry of Defense (MoD) confirmed that it had begun low-rate initial production (LRIP) of an HVGP prototype in 2023. Development is scheduled to conclude in late 2025 or early 2026, with initial deliveries of the HVGP to the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) expected from around 2026.
Japan’s hypersonic development represents a shift towards a more assertive defence posture and driven by its evolving security concerns, particularly regarding China and North Korea. The HVGP programme is a key focus, with both anti-ship and land-attack variants under development.
In July 2024, the MoD’s Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) announced that it had conducted two preliminary tests of a HVGP developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) earlier in March and April to validate some of its key subsystems.
The HVGP was originally expected to enter service in 2029. However, Japan’s perceived deterioration of its security environment prompted its defence officials to accelerate development by three years. The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) is expected to eventually field two HVGP battalions.
Once fielded from 2026, the HVGP will be launched from a truck using a booster, after which the warhead separates and glides towards its target. The initial high-supersonic Block I version of the HVGP is expected to have an estimated maximum range of 500 km, while the subsequent Block 2 variant fielded around 2030 will offer a range of around 3,000 km and travel at hypersonic speeds.
by Jr Ng
