Japan invests more than $2 billion to develop long-range hypersonic and anti-ship missiles

Japan continues to invest in hypersonic weapons development. The Ministry of Defence recently signed three contracts worth more than $2 billion.

Here's What We Know

The Japanese defence ministry has signed agreements with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI). Two of the three contracts relate to the development of hypersonic weapons.

The Ministry of Defence of the Land of the Rising Sun has allocated approximately $1.4bn to develop a long-range hypersonic weapon, the Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile (HVGP). The work is due to be completed in fiscal year 2030 (FY).

Additionally, Japan will invest $0.42 billion in research on weapons that can reach speeds greater than Mach 5 (6174 km/h). The work will last until FY2031.

The Department of Defense has also allocated about $0.2 billion to develop anti-ship missiles that will be able to hit targets by breaking through enemy air defenses. The work will go on until FY2026.

Source: Janes