Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile

Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile (HVGP) (島嶼防衛用高速滑空弾, Tōsyobōeiyō-kōsoku-kakkūdan) is a Japanese hypersonic glide vehicle being intended to be used as a hypersonic weapon.^[1][2] This is effectively Japan’s first de-facto ballistic missile.^[3] While it is officially labeled as a missile for island defense, it is also considered to have potential enemy base attack capabilities.^[4]

Launch test of the Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile conducted in California.

Design and capabilities

The HVGP is designed as a standoff missile capable of attacking enemy forces and bases from outside the enemy weapon engagement zone.^[4][5] The development of the HVGP is based on an incremental approach, with Block 1 being developed as an early version based on existing technology, followed by the development of a performance-enhancing Block 2.^[5][6] Both of them are designed for launch using a solid rocket booster, with the projectile separating from it at a high altitude and then gliding at hypersonic speeds until impact.^[2][7] In Block 2, glide performance will be further improved by introducing waverider technology.^[5]

Projectile guidance would be primarily provided by satellite navigation, with inertial navigation system as a backup.^[7] Radio-frequency imaging and infrared homing would also be used for guidance when engaging moving targets.^[7] Special armour-piercing ammunitions, capable of penetrating the deck of aircraft carriers, are used to attack ships, and high-density explosively formed projectiles (EFPs), capable of area suppression, are used to attack ground targets.^[7]

Block 1 is expected to be a short-range ballistic missile with an estimated range of 300–500 km (160–270 nmi).^[3][5] Block 2, on the other hand, is planned to be a medium-range ballistic missile with a range of 2,000–3,000 km (1,100–1,600 nmi).^[3][8]

Deployment

The plan is to complete the development of Block 1 by FY2025 and begin deployment in FY2026, and to begin deployment of Block 2 in the 2030s, deploying two battalions in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.^[6][8] These batteries are being considered for deployment in Hokkaido and Kyushu.^[9]

The development of a submarine-launched version is under consideration, reportedly.^[10]