Group : Tactical Ballistic Missiles
Status : Under Development
Also Known As : Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile
Origin : Japan
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 2027
First Flight : 2024
Total Production : ?

The Japan Self Defense Force (JSDF) Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile (HVGP) is a program aimed at delivering a quick response hypersonic weapon system in the early 2030s. The HVGP consists of a solid-fuel rocket carrying a warhead that is lifted to a very high altitude (exo-atmosphere). The warhead glides back to Earth at hypersonic speed hitting its intended target with pinpoint accuracy. The warhead to hit sea targets consists of a penetrating warhead capable of piercing the flight deck of an aircraft carrier and the land targets will be hit by a high density Explosively Formed Projectile (EFP) with area suppression effects. The guidance system will be based on a new satellite navigation system consisting of seven spacecraft to be build by Japan and inertial navigation system (INS) as backup. The terminal guidance will be carried out using radiofrequency imaging optimized against stealth targets or infrared seeker. The program was unveiled in March 2020 and its first test-flight of the HVGP is scheduled for the 2024-2028 timeframe.