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

By Wang Chengwen

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.