On June 24, 2025, Japan took a historic step in its defense strategy by conducting its first-ever missile test on home soil. During the Fuji Firepower 2025 exercise, Japan showcased its latest Hyper Velocity Guided Projectile (HVGP) missile.
This missile, crafted by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries under the guidance of Japan's Advanced Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA), is Japan’s response to the growing military threats from North Korea and China. Let's delve into the HVGP missile’s features, Japan's defense strategy, and the reasons behind the threats from North Korea and China.
Japan's First Missile Test: Ushering a New Era
Japan is pivoting from its pacifist policies towards bolstering its military strength. The Fuji 2025 live-fire exercise took place at the Higashifuji training area in Shizuoka Prefecture. Japan showcased both its HVGP hypersonic missile and the Type 12 surface-to-ship missile. Asian Military Review notes that the HVGP missile has been under development since 2018, with its first successful test in the United States in 2024.
Japan aims to deploy this missile by 2026 as part of its defense strategy, crafted in response to North Korea's missile tests and China's maritime aggression. According to a New York Times report, Japan is also augmenting its defense with the acquisition of F-35B stealth fighters and Tomahawk cruise missiles.
HVGP Missile: Features and Capabilities
Source: aajtak
The Hyper Velocity Guided Projectile (HVGP) is a hypersonic missile capable of speeds exceeding Mach 5, making it five times faster than the speed of sound. Designed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, it's the first hypersonic projectile launched from Japan's soil. Here are some key features...
Range and Speed:
Block 1: With a range of 500 to 900 km, it will be deployed by 2026.
Blocks 2A and 2B: Scheduled for deployment in 2027 and 2030 with ranges of 2000 km and 3000 km, respectively.
Traveling at speeds of Mach 5, or 6440 km/hr, it's challenging to intercept.
Launch and Design
Transported on an 8x8 tactical truck with two containerized missiles.
Built on a solid-fuel boost-glide design, it launches swiftly and evades radar detection.
Incorporates satellite navigation and Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) for precision targeting.
Warhead Type
Naval Warhead: Equipped to destroy ships, leveraging radio-frequency imaging and Doppler shift data for terminal guidance.
Land Warhead: Includes an Explosively Formed Projectile (EFP) warhead designed for ground target destruction.
Deployment: Set to be stationed in Kyushu (southern Japan) and Hokkaido (northern Japan) near China and North Korea.
Japan is also developing another hypersonic missile, the Hypersonic Cruise Missile (HCM), powered by a scramjet engine for long-range targeting.
Rising Threats from North Korea and China
The driving force behind Japan’s new defense strategy is the escalating military threat from North Korea and China.
The North Korean Threat
Missile Tests:
North Korea conducted several missile tests in 2025. According to Reuters, on May 8, 2025, North Korea tested short-range ballistic missiles, likely intended for export.
ICBM and Nuclear Threat:
The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) reports that in 2023, North Korea tested a solid-fuel ICBM, posing a threat to both Japan and the United States.
J-Alert Warnings:
In 2023, North Korean missiles triggered J-Alert warnings across Japan, inciting public fear. CBC noted one missile was en route over Japan but ultimately fell into the ocean.
Kim Jong-un's Threats:
According to Al Jazeera, in 2025, Kim Jong-un expressed the desire to enhance his nuclear arsenal aggressively. Japan has identified North Korea as a more formidable threat than ever.
The Chinese Threat
Military Expansion:
A Pentagon report highlights China's arsenal of over 600 nuclear weapons and medium-range ballistic missiles that can target Japan and the United States.
Maritime Aggression:
As Caliber.az reports, China frequently intrudes into Japan's airspace and territorial waters in the East China Sea.
Threat to Taiwan:
China's claims over Taiwan concern Japan due to Taiwan’s proximity to Japan's Ryukyu Islands. USNI News reports that Japan plans to position HVGP for defense in these islands.
Hypersonic Missiles:
PBS notes that China conducted its first hypersonic missile test in 2017 and now maintains a range of hypersonic weapons targeting Japan, Hawaii, and Alaska.
Japan's Defense Strategy: The Necessity
Japan’s pacifist Constitution, post-1945, restricts it to a defensive military posture. However, growing threats from North Korea and China necessitate a strategic change. The South China Morning Post reports China labels Japan’s missile testing as a breach of its pacifist Constitution, while Japan maintains this is crucial for national security.
Deployment in Kyushu and Hokkaido
Kyushu:
As Japan's southernmost island, it's strategically close to China. The Type 12 missile, with a 1000 km range, and HVGP will be stationed here.
Hokkaido:
Positioned near North Korea, Hokkaido hosted the Type 88 missile test in 2025.
Collaboration with the United States
Under a $200 million deal, Japan procured equipment and services from the US for HVGP. This bolsters Japan’s defense capabilities. The New York Times notes Japan's establishment of a wartime headquarters with the US and plans to acquire F-35B fighters and Tomahawk missiles.
Native Defense Industry
Japan is enhancing its domestic defense sector, investing in hypersonic missiles and anti-drone laser systems. To counter threats from North Korean and Chinese hypersonic missiles, Japan plans to deploy 1000 missiles.
China's Reaction
According to the South China Morning Post, China’s People’s Liberation Army Daily labeled Japan’s missile tests a threat to regional stability. TRT Global reports China engaged in a tense aerial encounter with Japanese aircraft, escalating tensions.
The North Korean Response
Reuters reports that in 2025, North Korea ramped up missile tests, perceived by Japan as a security threat. Al Jazeera details Kim Jong-un's stern warning against the US and Japan.
Allies and Strategic Partners
Japan plans to develop a railgun capable of intercepting hypersonic missiles. India shared intelligence about a recovered Pakistani PL-15E missile with Japan, bolstering their strategic alliance. Tensions in the East China Sea and Taiwan Strait may rise with Japan's missile deployment. China’s ICBM test in 2024 has heightened concerns in the Pacific region.
