U.S. Backs Japan’s Hypersonic Glide Weapons With $200M Sale Approval

The U.S. State Department has approved a potential $200 million Foreign Military Sale to Japan for equipment and services supporting its Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectiles (HVGP) program.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of the proposed sale, which includes test preparation, transportation support, and coordination meetings in the U.S. and Japan. The HVGP system, developed by Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) and manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), is scheduled for deployment by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) starting in fiscal year 2026.

Japan’s HVGP is designed for island defense and features a truck-mounted booster that launches a gliding warhead with an estimated range of 900 km. In July 2024, ATLA publicly released footage of a test conducted on March 23, 2024, in California, which aimed to verify measurement systems for future launches.

Development of the HVGP began in fiscal year 2018, with early mass production starting in 2023 due to rising military threats from China and North Korea. Future versions, including Block 2A and Block 2B, aim to extend the range to 2,000 km and 3,000 km, respectively, with completion expected between fiscal years 2027 and 2030.

Japan’s HVGP program may also develop anti-ship capabilities, including the potential addition of a seeker for targeting aircraft carriers.

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