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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]
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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]
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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]
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