Japan has shown a striking display of military strength. It has introduced a powerful new weapon. Officials call the weapon the Hyper Velocity Guided Projectile, or HVGP.

Japan Reveals a Game-Changer: The HVGP Missile

This is a type of hypersonic missile. It can travel at speeds greater than Mach 5. That means it can fly five times faster than the speed of sound. That’s incredibly fast—so fast that many defense systems cannot react in time.

Japan intends to extend the HVGP’s current range of up to 900 kilometers, potentially reaching 2,000 or even 3,000 kilometers. Japan can target regions far from its coasts with this range. In addition to its speed, the HVGP’s superb accuracy of attack makes it particularly hazardous.

This missile is a component of Japan’s latest defense plan. For many years, Japan followed a mostly defensive military policy. But the unveiling of the HVGP shows a clear shift. Japan now prepares to take offensive action if needed. This means that it can hit back hard—even before an enemy missile lands on its soil.

Japan’s stunning Type 88 missile launch shocks Asia, sparks fresh China fears

HVGP Missile Threatens China’s Naval Shield and Pakistan’s Defense

China has built a strong defense system around its warships and aircraft carriers. Experts often call this setup a “three-layered defense ring.” Here’s how it works:

Fast fighter jets like the J-15 guard the outer layer by patrolling the skies. They stop enemy planes or missiles before they get too close.

Submarines and destroyers defend the middle layer by shooting down threats coming from the sea or air.

High-tech weapons like close-in weapon systems (CIWS) and anti-submarine tools secure the inner layer as the last line of defense.

China Uses Ukrainian Technology to Threaten US with Shenyang J-15 Flying Shark

This entire system actively blocks any incoming threat. But Japan’s HVGP missile challenges this setup. With its extreme speed and sharp maneuvering, it slips through all three layers before anyone can detect or intercept it.

Notably, Pakistan has also relied heavily on these Chinese defense technologies. Pakistan has used the same multi-layer protection systems. These systems shield key military assets and possibly naval units. However, if a missile like the HVGP can break through China’s system, it can also punch through Pakistan’s defenses. Both countries are gravely concerned about this.

The missile’s ability to breach complex defense rings makes it a major breakthrough in warfare. In short, weapons like the HVGP reduce the reliability of existing defense strategies. That puts a spotlight on how fast the rules of military technology are changing in East Asia.

North Korea’s Hidden Nuclear Sites Also Targeted

North Korea has made its nuclear program more difficult to track. Reports suggest that North Korea has developed transportable nuclear weapons. It can move them from one place to another, which makes them hard to find and destroy. This makes North Korea’s arsenal more dangerous, as it’s not easy to locate or predict where a launch might happen.

On the other hand, deep-precision attacks are the capability of Japan’s HVGP missile. Operators can aim it at specific targets, including suspected nuclear sites across North Korea. Even if those targets lie hidden or deep inside the country, the HVGP strikes them with speed and power.

In addition to the HVGP, Japan has also added other long-range weapons to its arsenal. These include:

Prominent for their precision and extended range are Tomahawk cruise missiles.

Engineers are upgrading the Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missiles to travel longer distances and strike more precisely.

Jet Provocation, Naval Response: Japan’s Stealth Destroyer Stirs China’s Anger in Taiwan Strait

These additions give Japan the ability to launch powerful strikes over long distances. Together, this new missile arsenal makes Japan more capable of taking out high-value targets in neighboring countries.

Military experts say that with these new capabilities, Japan can directly challenge naval operations carried out by China. It can also counter the threat from North Korea’s nuclear weapons. North Korea often hides these weapons in underground bases. It also moves them using mobile units. This makes them harder to detect and destroy.

The deployment of the HVGP and other hypersonic technology marks a significant shift in military power in the region. Japan no longer focuses only on defending its homeland. It now shows a clear shift in strategy. The country is ready to act decisively when its national security faces a threat.