The Japanese Ground Self Defence Force debuted a number of new weapon systems at Fuji Firepower 2025 that were developed as key elements of its new defence strategy in response to threats to its territorial integrity.
These included wheeled combat vehicles to support rapid response to amphibious and ground intrusions but also the first presentation of its mobile, ground launched Hyper Velocity Guided Projectile (HVGP) ship and ground attack guided missile. The HVGP has been in development since 2018 with its first successful test firing occurring at a United States site in early 2024. Being developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries under contact by Japan’s ATLA (Advanced Technology and Logistics Agency) it planned system operational fielding was accelerated to 2026.
The HVGP is transported on an 8×8 tactical truck carrying two containerized missiles. Missiles are solid-fuelled boost glide designs with a reported range of 500 to 900 km in the current Block 1 version. A Block 2A and Block 2B version is being developed which are scheduled to be introduced in 2027 and 2030 that will each increase this range to 2000 km and then 3000 km respectively. The HVGP reaches a top speed of Mach 5 and has both satellite navigation and integrated on-board inertial navigation (INS). The missile is boosted to altitude and the glides at high-speed manoeuvring as needed to strike the target. The naval hull penetrating anti-ship warhead version with terminal guidance by radio-frequency imaging converted from doppler shift data. A land attack version uses a multiple high-density, explosively formed projectiles (EFP) warhead.
The HVGP along with upgraded Type 12 surface-to-ship missiles will reportedly be deployed in Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s four main islands, and to Hokkaido in the north. Japan is also developing the HCV – Hypersonic Cruise Missile powered by a scramjet engine for even longer-range at higher Mach speeds and capable of ground strikes and anti-ship engagement. These weapon systems are viewed as key elements in securing the future territorial integrity of Japan and its shores.
by Stephen W. Miller
