Image source: topwar.ru
The Japanese military Development Agency ATLA has published photos from the tests of its HVGP hypersonic glider missile system. As you know, at least two HVGP launches were conducted at American landfills in California last summer. The first single launch was made from a stand, and the second from a standard launcher.
The rocket is being developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. It is a multi-purpose hypersonic weapon capable of hitting both sea and land targets. The first option has a range of about 900 km and a speed of Mach 5. Production has already been launched, and deployment in the military is planned from 2026. In addition, there are plans for modifications with a range of up to three thousand kilometers.
Image source: topwar.ru
Image source: topwar.ru
According to ATLA, the research and development work under this project is aimed at creating a new generation missile platform capable of hitting naval targets at long distances. The stated purpose of the program is to support Tokyo's ability to protect its remote islands and their surrounding waters.
The first prototype, which is being developed in fiscal year 2025, has a compact design and is equipped with an XKJ301-1 turbojet engine. This variant will serve as a test platform for the integration of the power plant, guidance system and homing head. In the next phase, scheduled for 2027, the test series is planned to be expanded with two instances designed to evaluate advanced sensor configurations.
