Media: Japan carried out test launches of new hypersonic missile
Japan has conducted test launches of the hypersonic missile currently under development and published the relevant footage – as reported by Defence News, referring to a division of the Japanese Defence Ministry and Timothy Wright, research associate in the Defence and Military Analysis Programme of the UK-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), RIA Novosti reports
“A pre-launch test of a hyper-velocity gliding projectile (HVGP) for island defence was conducted,” the Acquisition Technology and Logistics Agency of the Japanese Defence Ministry explained.
The publication noted that the first launch took place on March 23rd in California.
According to Mr. Wright, Japan conducted two missile tests in 2024: in March and April. Referring to the manufacturer of the rocket, Mr. Wright informed that the purpose of the test was to validate ‘measurement’ units and inertial navigation systems. He added that the Japanese Defence Ministry did not explain whether the warhead separated from the booster during either test.
The Defence News portal reports that the manufacturer of the missile is the Japanese company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The missile’s estimated maximum range is 500km, which it overcomes at hypersonic speed. The anti-missile is designed to intercept enemy targets at a distance and at an early stage. It is assumed that a version of HVGP called Block I will enter service in Japan in 2026.
The publication announces that by 2030, the Japanese army will have Block 2 version missile with a range of 3,000km. Mr. Wright emphasises that at the moment Japan is developing at least seven new types of air-, sea- and ground-launched missiles to defeat land and sea targets and is buying three different missile projects from the United States.
The Pentagon reported that the military departments of the United States and Japan signed an agreement on the joint development of a hypersonic missile interceptor.
