Through the publication of a brief statement on its social media channels, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force announced that it has renamed its most modern cruise and hypersonic missile systems, which it is awaiting to incorporate in response to what Tokyo considers an “increasingly tense” security environment. In particular, this refers to the anti-ship systems until now known as the Type 12, which will form the backbone of Japan’s coastal defense, as well as the Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile, commonly referred to as the HVGP.
Based on what was communicated by the service, it can be stated that in the case of the Type 12 anti-ship systems, Japan has now opted to officially designate them as the “Type 25 Surface-to-Ship Guided Missile (25SSM).” In the case of the HVGP hypersonic missiles, the Ground Self-Defense Force will now refer to them as the “Type 25 Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile (25HGP),” without specifying the reason behind the new naming choice. In both cases, these are systems designed and manufactured domestically in order to enhance the country’s defensive capabilities and industrial capacity, even though U.S. support has been involved in their development.
Referring to the two systems in question, the service’s message published on social media states: “In response to the increasingly tense security environment surrounding Japan, the Ground Self-Defense Force is committed to developing standoff defense capabilities (…) These systems are important for enhancing Japan’s deterrence and response capabilities. The Ground Self-Defense Force will always stand with the Japanese people and will continue doing everything possible to protect their safety and well-being.”
It is worth recalling at this point that Japan is already in the process of deploying its 25SSM systems in different strategic locations across the country, from where it seeks to guarantee the protection of surrounding waters against what is seen as growing Chinese naval activity. As a particularly illustrative example, it is useful to recall what we reported on March 11, when it was indicated that Tokyo had begun moving these anti-ship missiles and their launchers to the so-called Camp Kengun, located in Kumamoto Prefecture in the southwest of the country. That location lies just 1,000 kilometers from China, which quickly led the local population to express fears that their region could become a potential target for attacks launched by Beijing.
In the case of the 25HGP hypersonic missiles, it should also be mentioned that their development has recently been boosted by the approval of a major U.S. support package amounting to as much as 340 million dollars, which will allow new tests to move forward. As we noted on March 26, Washington will make one of its test ranges available for that event, while also outlining the test program, conducting environmental studies, and providing technical support so that the system can demonstrate its capabilities far from home.
Image credits: @Japan_GSDF on X
You may also like: Japan’s Self-Defense Forces intercepted the Y-9FQ, China’s most modern anti-submarine warfare aircraft, for the first time
