The Japan Self-Defense Force has tested the deployment of its first hypersonic missile system, which has been rushed into mass production in response to growing threats from North Korea and China.
Japan’s defense procurement agency recently released images from the test during an industry day event, showing the Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile (HVGP) transporter-erector-launcher system operating across a variety of environments.
The HVGP has already undergone two tests and remains on track for deployment in 2026.
Japan began developing the system in 2018 with an initial goal of completing work by 2025, but escalating threats from China and North Korea prompted the launch of early mass production in 2023.
To accelerate deployment, Japan is fielding the HVGP in successive capability blocks.
The early-deployment Block 1 variant has a test range of roughly 900 kilometers (559 miles), followed by Block 2A, which extends strike reach to about 2,000 kilometers (1,242 miles) and is slated for completion in 2027.
A further-enhanced Block 2B, offering an estimated 3,000-kilometer (1,864-mile) reach, is planned for 2030.
As part of its fiscal 2026 defense budget, Tokyo has approved $2.07 billion for the serial production and deployment of HVGP Block 1, along with an additional $5.03 billion for development of the upgraded HVGP Block 2.
China’s ambition to deploy six carrier strike groups for power projection across the Indo-Pacific is a major factor propelling Japan’s hypersonic weapons push, according to defense analysts.
With its terminal-phase maneuverability, the HVGP is designed to penetrate the layered defenses of China’s aircraft carriers while also offering a potential capability to disable North Korea’s nuclear forces, including ballistic missile launch infrastructure.
A nose-mounted glide vehicle detaches after the booster delivers the missile to the proper altitude-velocity window, initiating a high-speed, high-maneuverability terminal flight path.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will lead production of the Block 1 variant.
The HVGP will reportedly replace the US-produced M270 MLRS, with the new launchers to be organized into two hypersonic missile divisions based on Kyūshū and Hokkaidō.
Beyond its hypersonic program, Japan is also preparing to deploy Tomahawk cruise missiles, Joint Strike Missiles, and upgraded Type 12 surface-to-ship missiles, significantly strengthening its anti-ship and counterstrike posture in the years ahead.
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