US approves $340m HVGP capability sale to Japan
The US Department of State has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Japan valued at approximately $340m, aimed at enhancing the country’s indigenous upgraded Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectiles (HVGP) capability.
The agreement includes equipment and various services such as test preparation, support during testing, and logistical transportation.
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Japan will receive a range of support systems from the US Government including range and utility support, surveillance, safety reviews for flight termination systems, and radio frequency assignments.
The package also offers assistance with generating test plans and data, obtaining environmental and site approvals, office and administrative facilities, transporting test gear, procurement of measurement tools, as well as coordination meetings in both the US and Japan.
According to the US Department of State, the proposed sale will offer defence for remote islands, thereby improving Japan’s capability to meet “current and future threats”.
“Japan will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces,” it said.
Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectiles are ground-launched missiles capable of travelling at supersonic speeds from high altitudes while following unpredictable paths, making them challenging to intercept.
The Japanese Government is developing these systems as part of its standoff capabilities with the intention to counter enemy units approaching remote islands beyond their operational range, according to a report in the Japan Times.
This transaction forms part of broader efforts by both countries to reinforce security cooperation in response to evolving threats in the region.
In March of the previous year, the Department of State authorised a similar FMS to Japan involving HVGP Capability Support and related equipment, which was then estimated at $200m.
Data and analytics firm GlobalData stated last year that Japan’s move to incorporate hypersonic missiles into its defence plans is intended to uphold military balance and respond to increasing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
The firm’s report, “The Global Missiles & Missile Defense Systems Market Forecast 2025-2035,” also projected that Japan will allocate approximately $14.3bn for missile procurement over the decade starting in 2025.
