The proposed sale includes test preparation, testing, transportation support, and coordination meetings in both the United States and Japan. These services aim to assist Japan in advancing its HVGP capability, which is part of the country’s broader efforts to enhance its defence posture.
According to the DSCA, the sale aligns with US foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the defence capabilities of a key ally in the Indo-Pacific region. The agency stated that Japan will have no difficulty integrating the equipment and services into its armed forces.
The HVGP system, developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, is a hypersonic weapon designed to defend Japan’s remote islands against potential threats. The programme consists of two main development phases, with Block 1 scheduled for deployment in fiscal year 2026 and Blocks 2A and 2B planned for the 2030s, extending the weapon’s range up to 3,000 km.
Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) has conducted four successful test launches of the HVGP from a site in California. These tests took place in August 2024, November 2024, and January 2025, demonstrating progress in the system’s development.
The DSCA confirmed that the sale will not alter the military balance in the region and will not require additional US government or contractor personnel to be stationed in Japan. It also stated that there would be no adverse impact on US defence readiness as a result of the transaction.
Japan continues to expand its hypersonic weapons capability as part of its broader defence strategy amid evolving regional security challenges. The country is investing in advanced technologies to enhance its deterrence and response capabilities in the Indo-Pacific.
Source: DSCA.
