A prototype of Japan's HVGP has been tested on several occasions in California. (Japan MoD)
The US Department of State has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Japan of capability support for Tokyo's Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile (HVGP) programme.
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said on 10 March that the sale of equipment and services for the HVGP programme includes testing and transportation support and ‘co-ordination meetings' between the US and Japan for an estimated USD200 million.
Japan's HVGP programme, which started in 2018, is intended to develop a hypersonic missile for island defence operations. The DSCA said, “The proposed sale will improve Japan's capability to meet current and future threats by providing defence for remote islands.”
In recent months, Japan's Ministry of Defense (MoD) has accelerated its testing of HVGP prototypes.
A preliminary launch of the projectile was held in March 2024 by the MoD's Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA). Earlier in February, the MoD also confirmed that it had held its first proper launch of an HVGP prototype in August 2024. Subsequent test launches were held in November 2024 (two launches) and in January. All tests have been held in California.
Earlier in February, the MoD also confirmed that it started low-rate initial production (LRIP) of an HVGP prototype in 2023. Development is scheduled to conclude later in 2025 or early 2026, with initial deliveries of the HVGP to the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) in 2026–27.
In announcing the status of prototype testing in February, the MoD said the HVGP will “strengthen Japan's stand-off defence capabilities” and that the weapon will be able to “intercept and eliminate invading forces against Japan at distance and at an early stage”.
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