The US State Department has approved a $340-million foreign military sale of equipment and services for Japan’s upgraded Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile (HVGP) program.
Tokyo’s request includes test preparation and support, range surveillance, range safety, radio frequency assignments, coordination meetings in the US and Japan, and other related elements of logistics and program support.
Washington approved a similar deal in March 2025 worth $200 million.
“The proposed sale will improve Japan’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing defense for remote islands. Japan will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces,” according to the notice.
Island Defense
Japan’s HVGP Program is a ground-launched weapon system that combines a ballistic missile and a hypersonic glide vehicle, designed to be operated by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces for island defense and counterstrike roles.
It is fitted with a rocket booster to reach high altitudes and separates to glide at hypersonic speeds towards its target.
The HVGP Block 1 has a reported range of around 500 to 900 kilometers (310 to 559 miles), while variants featuring extended ranges are under development.
Research and development began in fiscal 2018, aiming to complete development by 2025, with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries handling the manufacturing.
However, heightened tensions in the Indo-Pacific led Tokyo to begin early initial production in 2023, despite the weapon still being developed.
Japan intends to domestically deploy the HVGP’s current model by March 31, along with the country’s upgraded Type 12 surface-to-ship long-range missiles.
