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On July 4, 2024, Japan's Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) publicly released footage for the first time of the test launch of a domestically build long range Hyper-Velocity Gliding Projectile (HVGP) for island defense conducted in March this year.
The HVGP is a new weapon scheduled to be deployed by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) starting in the fiscal year 2026. The hypersonic weapon is being developed for “island defense” roles. After being launched by a booster from a truck-mounted launcher, the warhead separates and glides to attack its target. The estimated range is approximately 900 km.
The footage shows a test which was conducted on March 23, 2024, in California, USA. According to ATLA, the purpose was “to verify the measurement systems for future launch tests.”
Research and development on the HVGP began in the fiscal year 2018, with the goal of completing development by the fiscal year 2025. However, due to the increasing military threats from China and North Korea, early mass production started in the fiscal year 2023 without waiting for the completion of development. The manufacturing is being handled by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI).
To achieve early deployment, the HVGP is planned to be developed in incremental capability enhancements. The test conducted this time was for the most basic “Early Deployment Version (Block 1)” test projectile. Furthermore, the development of an “Enhanced Capability Version (Block 2A)” with a significantly extended range capable of attacking targets up to 2,000 km away, and an “Enhanced Capability Version (Block 2B)” with a range of 3,000 km, is scheduled to be completed in the fiscal years 2027 and 2030, respectively
Here is the video released by ATLA:
Here is the English translation of the video description:
Recently, we conducted a launch test of a Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile for island defense among the domestically produced stand-off missiles and confirmed the measurement system.
As previously reported by Naval News, Japan’s HVGP (速滑空弾) could eventually have an anti-ship capability and be used against aircraft carriers. This consideration is part of the research on future enhanced capability versions. In the future, it is possible that the warhead could be equipped with a seeker for use in anti-ship mission.
Video: Japan tests Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile - HVGP - Naval News
Japan's ATLA released footage for the first time of the test launch of a Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile (HVGP) for island defense conducted in March this year.
www.navalnews.com
Interesting stuff. For AShM role (Specially against CSG) neccessary ISTAR and sensor to shooter connection is always gonna be challenging. @Kartal1 @Nilgiri @Sanchez et al.
