The U.S. government has authorized the potential sale of equipment for the hypersonic projectile development program of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces. According to the U.S. State Department’s notification to Congress, issued yesterday, the deal is valued at over $200 million.
Referring to the approval of this potential agreement, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) stated: “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by enhancing the security of a key ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific region (…) The proposed sale will improve Japan’s ability to address current and future threats by providing defense for remote islands. Japan will have no difficulty incorporating this equipment and these services into its armed forces.”
While details regarding the specific equipment to be acquired by Japan have not been disclosed, it has been stated that the approved package includes support services for testing its new hypersonic projectile, equipment transportation, and coordination meetings with U.S. representatives. Based on reports dating back to 2020, Japan is believed to be working on two hypersonic projectile variants, including an initial Block 1 version for training and technology development, as well as a Block 2 variant with an estimated range of 1,250 miles. There is also speculation about a potential 2B version capable of extending that range to 1,800 miles.
According to U.S. defense media, Japan’s hypersonic projectile program dates back to the late 2010s, with the primary goal of developing advanced weaponry to defend its coasts, particularly along the Ryukyu Islands. In this context, the Japanese government has been especially concerned about the increasing activities of the Chinese Navy in the region, adding to existing fears of a potential invasion of Taiwan as part of China’s reunification plans, in which these Japanese islands would hold strategic importance. Other efforts in this regard include Japan’s acquisition of 400 new Tomahawk missiles from the U.S. and the development of a new version of the Type 12 anti-ship missile.
Additionally, it has been reported that the U.S. government itself will provide Japan with the requested equipment and support, rather than relying on a defense contractor as is typically the case. It was also stated that there are currently no negotiations for any type of offset agreement, and there is no expectation of U.S. personnel being sent to Japan to execute the deal.
Images used for illustrative purposes
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