That Japan currently testing a new one the latest generation of hypersonic weapons specifically designed to defend their island from external threats. The Joker in question coincides withHigh Speed Gliding Projectile (HVGP)developed by the Japan Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA). The photos, presented by ATLA’s Hypersonic Launch Vehicle Development Section under the Joint Systems Development Division, show conveyor-erector-launcher (TEL) system. missile launches in a variety of environments, including forest terrain, snow-covered test fields, and while loading onto naval and air transport platforms. Here’s what we know about it.
Japan’s new weapon
Site Defense Blog wrote that HVGP has carried out two test launches in United States of Americaconfirmed its ability to achieve gliding flight. Both research and development are expected to be completed in the current fiscal year. This program aims to improve Japan’s ability to respond to emerging threats in its country southwest islandswhere long-range precision strike systems are considered an important component of future deterrence. Missile system, designed for a rapid spread and good survivability, equipped with a large wheeled launcher capable of carrying two containers.
The images show the vehicle performing loading and launch preparation exercises, mobility tests and environmental tests in cold and harsh conditions. The HVGP project is part of Japan’s broader efforts to modernize the country missile troops as part of the Ministry of Defense’s Medium Term Defense Program. The goal is to equip the Japanese Self-Defense Forces with one high speed attack capability and maneuverabilitycapable of penetrating advanced air defenses and hitting sea and land targets from long distances. The program is receiving particular attention amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific and growing concerns about the use of hypersonic weapons by regional adversaries.
Commitment to development also reflects Tokyo’s orientation towards a greater defense autonomy and the creation of local strategic systems. ATLA said the hypersonic glider program is proceeding as planned and further testing is underway to validate launch operations, transport capabilities and system reliability. Once completed, the HVGP is expected to be one of Japan’s most advanced strike weapons.
Tokyo Strategy
The Ministry of Defense published a Defense White Paper which was then explained further standoff defense capabilitieswhich represents one of the fundamental pillars of its modernization program. “Japan would gain the ability to operate ships and landing forces attacking Japan, including its outlying islands, from locations outside the threat zone“, we read in the text. For that, he underlines War ZoneTokyo will develop an upgraded Type 12 with the aim of completing development of a ship-launched version of the missile by the end of Japan’s 2026 fiscal year.
The Defense White Paper also talks about increasing “submarine-type long-range defense capability“able to”operates in a very magical way“.
These new missiles are expected to provide the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) with new strike capabilities to attack enemy land targets and surface warships. The Type 12 is a subsonic anti-ship missile with a range of approximately 124 miles.
