Japan Deploys Its First Hypersonic Missile Battalions to Defend Remote Islands
In a major step towards strengthening its defense, Japan has officially deployed its first Hypervelocity Gliding Projectile (HVGP) missile battalions. These new units are now stationed in Kyushu and Hokkaido, marking a historic milestone in the country’s modern military strategy.
Why This Matters for Japan
Japan’s long-held defense policy has focused mainly on protecting its territory. But rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, especially with China, North Korea, and Russia, have pushed the country to develop more advanced weapons. The HVGP missile system is part of this new approach, offering Japan not just protection but also the ability to strike back if necessary.
The new units are called “Island Defense High-Speed Sliding Missile Special Operations Battalions.” Their mission is to protect Japan’s faraway islands and nearby seas. Kyushu’s battalion will cover the East China Sea, including areas around the disputed Senkaku Islands, while Hokkaido’s unit will monitor threats from the Sea of Okhotsk and nearby Russian territories.
What Is the Hypervelocity Gliding Projectile (HVGP)?
The HVGP is a new kind of missile that travels at hypersonic speeds — more than five times the speed of sound (Mach 5) — while gliding through the upper atmosphere. Unlike regular missiles, it can change direction during flight, making it very difficult for enemy air defenses to track or shoot down.
This missile is specially designed to strike enemy bases and military targets from long distances, keeping Japanese forces safe from immediate counterattacks. Even though it’s officially labeled a defensive weapon, experts believe it gives Japan a powerful offensive capability for the first time in decades.
How It Works
The HVGP is carried and launched from a specially built 8x8 military vehicle, similar to a mobile missile launcher. This vehicle can move across rough terrain and is built to protect its crew with an armored cabin. At the back, it has two large launch canisters that can fire the missiles quickly when needed.
The launcher design allows these battalions to move around and hide from enemy attacks. They don’t have to stay in one place, making it harder for opponents to locate and destroy them before they can launch their missiles.
Future Plans and Upgrades
Right now, Japan is deploying the first version of the missile, known as BIOCK1, which can hit targets up to 900 kilometers away. But by the 2030s, two more advanced versions called BIOCK2A and BIOCK2B are expected to enter service, with ranges of around 2,000 to 3,000 kilometers. These upgraded missiles will allow Japan to strike targets across the entire East Asia region if needed.
A New Direction in Japan’s Defense Policy
For decades after World War II, Japan followed a strictly defensive military policy. But with the introduction of the HVGP, the country is signaling a shift toward what it calls “counterstrike capabilities.” This means Japan is now preparing for situations where it may have to strike enemy positions first if a serious threat is detected.
These missiles are designed not just to defend Japan’s islands but also to deter countries like North Korea and China from launching attacks in the first place. With hypersonic missiles now part of its arsenal, Japan has taken a bold step to secure its national interests in an increasingly unstable region.
