The US State Department has approved a $200-million deal to aid Japan’s Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectiles (HVGP) program.
The HVGP initiative aims to equip the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force with a high-speed weapon for air defense at long ranges.
The deal covers necessary equipment and services, including test preparation, testing, and transportation support.
It also includes coordination meetings between the US and Japan to aid HVGP development.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the US by improving the security of a major ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific region,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency noted.
It will also “improve Japan’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing defense for remote islands.”
The deal is pending Congressional approval before it takes effect.
About the HVGP
Launched in 2018, the HVGP is part of Japan’s broader effort to enhance its stand-off capabilities in response to rising regional security concerns.
The weapon features a powerful warhead launched by a booster from a truck-mounted launcher, then glides at hypersonic speeds toward its target.
The HVGP has an estimated range of 900 kilometers (559 miles), similar to the US Navy’s Tomahawk cruise missile.
While initially planned for completion this year, heightened tensions in the Indo-Pacific led Japan to begin early mass production in 2023, despite the weapon still being in development.
The HVGP recently completed flight tests in California and is expected to be operational by 2026.
