The picture shows Japan conducting missile launch tests at the Pacific Missile Test Center in California, USA.

日本在美国加利福尼亚州太平洋导弹测试中心进行导弹发射试验。

By Wang Chengwen

王成文

Recently, Japan's Ministry of Defense released its latest advancements in stand-off defense capability project, marking the first official confirmation of a new ballistic missile development. Dubbed the "Hyper-Velocity Gliding Projectile (HVGP)", the weapon system is specifically designed for remote island defense operations. Analysts see the project as another major step in Japan's shift from a defensive to an offensive military strategy.

近日，日本防卫省发布防区外防卫能力项目推进情况通告，首次以官方形式公开新型弹道导弹研制情况。通告称，这款新型导弹被称为“岛屿防卫用高速滑空弹”，主要用于“离岛防卫”。舆论普遍认为，这是日本推动军事战略由守转攻的又一重大举措。

Japan officially included the HVGP project in its 2018 defense budget. In 2019, it categorized the missile into two types: the "early deployment model," for rapid combat readiness, and the "enhanced performance model" to meet higher technical standards. The recently disclosed missile is the "early deployment model," with a range of 500 to 900 kilometers. It underwent four test launches in 2024 at the Pacific Missile Test Center (PMTC) in California, USA. The development is expected to be completed by the end of this year, with mass production set to begin shortly thereafter. It is scheduled for delivery to the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) between the 2026 and 2027 fiscal years.

日本在2018财年防卫预算中正式列入“岛屿防卫用高速滑空弹”项目，并于2019年将该型导弹分为两类，即适合快速形成战斗力的“早期装备型”和达到预期技术指标的“性能向上型”。本次公开的是“早期装备型”导弹，射程可达500至900千米，曾于2024年在美国加利福尼亚州太平洋导弹测试中心进行4次试射，将于今年年末完成研制并投入量产，2026至2027财年交付陆上自卫队使用。

According to its new Defense Buildup Program (DBP), Japan will establish two battalions equipped with HVGP, with potential deployment sites in Kyushu and Hokkaido. This would bring the vast coastal areas of East Asia within its threat range.

根据日本新版《防卫力量整备计划》，日本将成立2个“岛屿防卫用高速滑空弹”大队（营级）。结合目前日本为2个大队提供的备选部署地（日本九州岛和北海道岛）来看，东亚广大沿海地区都在其威胁范围内。

The "enhanced performance model" missile is expected to be deployed around 2030, with plans to equip three additional battalions. Japan is also planning to develop an extended-range variant based on the enhanced performance model, capable of extending its range to over 3,000 kilometers.

“性能向上型”导弹预计在2030年前后列装，计划装备3个新增大队。日本还计划在“性能向上型”基础上发展“增程型”导弹，将射程提高至3000千米以上。

Due to strict domestic restrictions on missile testing, Japan's Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) currently conducts related tests at foreign missile launch sites. In addition to the US, Australia has also agreed to allow Japan to use its facilities for long-range missile testing. Furthermore, Japan is pushing to establish a missile launch site on Minamitorishima Island in the Pacific Ocean, located 2,000 kilometers southeast of its mainland.

由于日本本土对导弹试射有较严苛的区域限制，防卫装备厅目前使用国外的导弹发射场开展相关试验。除美国外，澳大利亚也同意日本借用相关设施进行远程导弹试射。此外，日本正推动在本土东南2000千米以外太平洋上的南鸟岛设立导弹发射场。

Japan has accelerated the development and procurement of various long-range strike weapons in recent years, with the tacit approval of the US. HVGP is a product of this trend. Many observers believe this new ballistic missile has already surpassed the exclusively defense-oriented policy and is, in essence, an offensive weapon. This deserves the attention and vigilance of neighboring countries.

近年来，日本在美国的默许下，加快研制引进各种远程打击武器，“岛屿防卫用高速滑空弹”便是这一背景下的产物。外界普遍认为，这款新型弹道导弹已突破“专守防卫”原则，是不折不扣的进攻型武器，值得周边国家关注和警惕。