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US Announces Support for Japan’s Hypersonic Glider Program Against Growing Indo-Pacific Threats.
The U.S. State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Japan, estimated at $200 million, for equipment and services supporting the development of the Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile (HVGP) program. Announced by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on March 10, 2025, this decision marks a further step in the technological and military cooperation between Tokyo and Washington. The project, overseen by Japan’s Ministry of Defense and the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA), aims to equip Japan with a hypersonic glider designed to enhance the defense of its remote islands. The proposed sale is now awaiting final approval from the U.S. Congress.
On February 7, 2025, Japan Unveils New Flight Tests for Its Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (Picture source: Japan’s Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics Agency)
Japan’s initiative to develop hypersonic weapons dates back to 2018, when a program was launched to enhance the long-range strike capabilities of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF). The HVGP, developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), consists of a hypersonic glider carrying a high-explosive warhead, launched by a solid-fuel booster before traveling at extreme speeds toward its target. This system is primarily intended for the defense of the Ryūkyū Islands and other strategic territories, reinforcing Japan’s military posture amid regional security concerns.
The HVGP program is structured in progressive phases. The initial version, referred to as Block 1, is based on existing technology and is expected to have a range of 500 to 900 kilometers. This first variant is planned for deployment in fiscal year 2026 to provide an operational capability in the shortest possible timeframe.
Subsequent developments include Block 2A and Block 2B, which will incorporate more advanced technologies, including wave rider flight technology, enabling greater maneuverability and improved penetration against air defense systems. These versions are projected to have an extended range of 2,000 to 3,000 kilometers, allowing them to engage targets beyond Japan’s territorial waters, including moving naval assets such as aircraft carriers. These enhanced versions are scheduled for completion by 2027, with operational deployment expected in the 2030s.
The Japanese Ministry of Defense has already conducted four successful test flights of the HVGP from a site in California: one in August 2024, two in November 2024, and another in January 2025. These tests validate progress in the program and the viability of the technology, although challenges remain, particularly in terminal guidance and heat resistance at hypersonic speeds.
U.S. support for Japan’s hypersonic glider program includes the provision of key equipment and services. The proposed package encompasses test preparation, technical assistance, transportation of equipment, and coordination meetings between Japanese and U.S. experts. These services will be delivered directly by the U.S. government, with no offset agreement currently planned. If such an agreement is pursued, it would be defined in subsequent negotiations between Tokyo and Washington.
The U.S. State Department justified the sale by stating that it aligns with U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives. The agreement is intended to strengthen Japan’s defense capabilities, given its status as a key U.S. ally and a major contributor to political and economic stability in the Indo-Pacific. According to the DSCA, the sale will enhance Japan’s ability to respond to evolving threats, particularly by improving the defense of its remote territories. The agency also emphasized that this transaction will not alter the fundamental military balance in the region, a statement likely aimed at addressing concerns from other regional powers, particularly China and North Korea.
An important aspect of this transaction is that it will not require the deployment of additional U.S. government personnel or private contractors to Japan. Furthermore, the DSCA assured that this sale will not negatively impact U.S. defense readiness, meaning that the equipment provided will not be drawn from active U.S. military inventories.
The HVGP program is advancing at a time of increasing investment in hypersonic technologies by major global powers, including the United States, China, and Russia. Hypersonic weapons are considered a key element in modern warfare due to their ability to strike targets rapidly while evading conventional defense systems.
For Japan, acquiring this capability represents a significant strategic shift. Amid China's growing military presence in the East China Sea and continued security challenges posed by North Korea, Tokyo is working to enhance its defense capabilities with autonomous long-range strike options. This effort is also part of a broader initiative to reduce reliance on foreign navigation and intelligence systems, strengthening Japan’s independent surveillance and targeting infrastructure.
With the U.S. State Department’s approval, the HVGP program moves forward toward a new phase. If the U.S. Congress approves the transaction, Japan will gain critical technical and logistical support to finalize its hypersonic glider development. This will provide Tokyo with an advanced deterrence capability, a significant factor in maintaining security in a region marked by ongoing strategic rivalries.