Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile (HVGP) (島嶼防衛用高速滑空弾, Tōsyobōeiyō-kōsoku-kakkūdan) is a Japanese hypersonic glide vehicle being intended to be used as a hypersonic weapon in defending of remote islands. [1] [2]
The HVGP is designed as a standoff missile capable of attacking enemy forces invading remote islands in Japan from outside the enemy weapon engagement zone. [3] The development of the HVGP is based on an incremental approach, with Block 1 being developed as an early version based on existing technology, followed by the development of a performance-enhancing Block 2. [3] [4] Both of them are designed for launch using a solid-propellant rocket booster, with the projectile separating from it at a high altitude and then gliding at hypersonic speeds until impact. [2] [5] In Block 2, glide performance will be further improved by introducing waverider technology. [3]
Projectile guidance would be primarily provided by satellite navigation, with inertial navigation system as a backup. [5] Radio-frequency imaging and infrared homing would also be used for guidance when engaging moving targets. [5] Special armour-piercing ammunitions, capable of penetrating the deck of aircraft carriers, are used to attack ships, and high-density explosively formed projectiles (EFPs), capable of area suppression, are used to attack ground targets. [5]
The range of Block 1 was estimated to be around 300–500 km (160–270 nmi), [3] but in order to provide a second strike capability, the range in Block 2 was increased to 3,000 km. [6]
The plan is to complete the development of Block 1 by FY2025 and begin deployment in FY2026, and to begin deployment of Block 2 in the 2030s, deploying two battalions in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. [4] [6] These batteries are being considered for deployment in Hokkaido and Kyushu. [7]
The development of a submarine-launched version is under consideration, reportedly. [8]