Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to indicate that Japan’s Ministry of Defense unveiled photos on 6 December from the test launch of the improved Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missile (SSM), which is similars to a system previously identified as a prototype for hypersonic weapons.
A series of new photos showcasing Japan’s hypersonic weapon system, also known as Hyper-Velocity Gliding Projectile (HVGP), have surfaced on social media.
Shared by a Japanese defense enthusiast on X (formerly Twitter), the images show a launcher vehicle on a trailer, potentially confirming the accelerated progress on this highly anticipated weapon.
“A test vehicle, believed to be for high-speed glide missiles, has been spotted on X (formerly Twitter) being transported late at night…,” wrote user 柚子 (@RJR114C).
The HVGP, scheduled for deployment with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) by 2026, is part of Japan’s ambitious push to advance its missile capabilities in light of regional security concerns, notably stemming from China’s military assertiveness and North Korea’s expanding missile program.
全国の重装輪回収車マニアの皆様お待たせしました。Xでちょこちょこ目撃が上がっている高速滑空弾と思われる試験車両が深夜陸送されていました。
ライト周りが変更になったためか顔つきが少し変わった印象を受けました。 pic.twitter.com/HbilLz2FBA— 柚子 (@RJR114C) October 24, 2024
Originally slated for a later release, the HVGP’s development was fast-tracked as Japan reconfigures its strategic defense priorities. The missile, a crucial element of Japan’s seven domestic missile initiatives, is intended to enhance Japan’s counterstrike potential and provide it with a precision-strike tool, a move that represents a significant shift for a nation that has traditionally maintained a defensive stance since World War II.
Earlier this year, Japan’s Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) revealed successful testing of a hypersonic glide vehicle in the United States. These tests, conducted in California in March and April, were Japan’s first known hypersonic trials and marked a milestone in the system’s progression. A brief video showcasing the HVGP’s boost phase was also released by ATLA.
The HVGP is expected to introduce a new level of deterrence for Japan with its ability to travel at hypersonic speeds, potentially evading current missile defense systems while delivering high-precision strikes. Japan’s investment in hypersonic and advanced missile technologies underlines a significant evolution in its defense doctrine, signaling readiness to counter and deter evolving regional threats effectively.