First Image of Japan's Hypersonic Land-Attack Missile Launcher Spotted on Highway.

A recent social media post has revealed a hypersonic weapon system in Japan, generating significant interest within the defense community. A user named 1ZZ-FETaz shared a photograph showing a missile launcher vehicle equipped with missile tubes, parked at a roadside rest area. This missile system, officially known as the "Hyper-Velocity Gliding Projectile" (HVGP), is expected to enter service with Japan's Ground Self-Defense Forces (JGSDF) by 2026, three years earlier than originally planned.
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The HVGP is expected to provide Japan with an unprecedented level of strategic deterrence due to its ability to glide at hypersonic speeds, evade missile defense systems, and strike targets with precision (Picture source: X Channel @1zz_fetaz)

This accelerated timeline reflects Japan’s response to a shifting regional security environment, driven by increasing concerns over China's military posture and North Korea's missile capabilities. The HVGP is part of a broader missile development effort in Japan, which includes seven domestic programs and additional acquisitions of missile systems from the United States. This marks a notable shift for Japan, a country that has not maintained significant precision-strike capabilities since World War II.

In addition to the HVGP, Japan's Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics Agency (ATLA) revealed in July 2024 that it had successfully conducted two tests of a hypersonic glide vehicle earlier in the year in California. These tests, conducted in March and April, are the first known trials of the system since its development began in 2015. A short video showing the missile's propulsion phase was also released, further boosting interest in the HVGP.

Japan is actively advancing hypersonic technologies and other missile systems as part of its revised defense strategy. The HVGP is expected to provide Japan with an unprecedented level of strategic deterrence due to its ability to glide at hypersonic speeds, evade missile defense systems, and strike targets with precision. The missile, capable of changing trajectory mid-flight, is designed to overcome modern defense systems while achieving an estimated range of approximately 900 kilometers.

The HVGP will be deployed in two distinct variants, Block 1 and Block 2. Block 1, known as the Early Deployment Model, features a booster-assisted launch system with basic glide capabilities. This version is approximately 8-9 meters long and incorporates technology from other Japanese missile systems, such as the Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missile (SSM). Block 2, the Enhanced Performance Model, is an upgraded missile over 10 meters long, featuring a more sophisticated glide mechanism and a more powerful booster. This version is designed for extended range and possibly greater payload capacity, providing enhanced performance over Block 1. Both variants are focused on near-term readiness and long-term capability enhancement, reflecting Japan’s strategic goals for the HVGP.

The operational use of the HVGP is primarily aimed at island defense. The missile system can be launched from a mobile ground-based platform, traveling over the sea toward enemy targets on contested islands. Integration with fire control systems (FCCS) and the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) ensures precision targeting, making the HVGP a key element in Japan's efforts to secure remote islands and defend against potential invasions, particularly in contested areas like the East China Sea.

The acceleration of Japan's hypersonic missile development program, initiated in 2015, is partly due to increasing military threats from China and North Korea. Initially planned for deployment in 2029, the HVGP will now be introduced in 2026, thanks to early mass production that began in 2023. These missile systems, manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, will be progressively integrated, with enhanced versions expected to reach ranges of up to 3,000 kilometers by 2030.

The tests conducted in California validated the missile’s measurement systems and inertial navigation technology. Computer-generated images released by ATLA show the HVGP adjusting its altitude throughout its flight path, although lateral maneuvers were not observed. The missile is being developed for both maritime and land-attack roles, with two types of warheads currently under development for these missions.

The integration of the HVGP into Japan’s defense forces represents a key step in addressing current geopolitical challenges. This missile, intended for the defense of Japan’s islands, is expected to be deployed primarily in the Kyushu and Hokkaido regions, although the exact locations have not been officially confirmed.

Japan’s investments in hypersonic technologies and advancements in missile systems represent a significant shift in its defense approach. The development of strike capabilities, particularly through high-speed precision-guided munitions, highlights Japan’s intent to bolster its offensive measures in response to evolving geopolitical dynamics. These efforts include close cooperation with the United States, sharing essential technologies and resources for the development and deployment of the HVGP.

The acceleration of this defense program, coupled with the growing military capabilities of neighboring countries, underscores the need for Japan to modernize its defense systems. However, this military expansion has raised concerns in the region about stability, although Japan insists that these developments are strictly for national defense and security.