Japan’s Hypersonic Leap Puts China’s Fighter Jets — And Pakistan’s Hopes — At Risk

Last Updated:June 30, 2025, 13:23 IST

The HVGP missile strikes up to 900 km, with plans to extend it to 2,000–3,000 km. Flying at Mach 5, it can pierce through even the most advanced three-layer defense systems

With the deployment of HVGP and scramjet-based hypersonic cruise missiles, Japan is poised to shift the strategic balance in the region. (Representative/AP)

In a bold demonstration of military strength, Japan has unveiled its new mobile hypersonic missile, the Hyper Velocity Guided Projectile (HVGP), marking a significant strategic shift in East Asia.

According to a report by Asia Times, Japan’s announcement of the HVGP underscores its shift from a purely defensive posture to one that includes the capability and readiness to launch offensive strikes if necessary.

How Powerful Is Japan’s HVGP Missile?

The HVGP missile has a strike range of up to 900 kilometers, which Japan plans to extend to 2,000–3,000 kilometers. Flying at Mach 5—five times the speed of sound—it is designed to penetrate even the enemy’s most advanced three-layer defense systems.

Whether targeting China’s warships or North Korea’s hidden nuclear launchers, the HVGP is built for deep precision strikes.

China’s naval strategy features a three-layered defence ring to protect its aircraft carriers. The outer layer is guarded by J-15 fighter jets, the middle zone by submarines and destroyers, and the inner zone by anti-submarine weapons and close-in weapon systems. It has been reported that Pakistan, too, has relied heavily on these Chinese defense systems.

However, high-speed missiles like the HVGP are capable of breaching all three layers, potentially rendering these defenses ineffective.

North Korea’s Nuclear Arsenal Also In The Crosshairs

North Korea is making its nuclear arsenal more lethal by developing weapons that can be easily transported and deployed from various locations. However, Japan’s hypersonic missiles are capable of targeting all suspected bases in North Korea where Kim Jong Un is believed to have hidden his nuclear weapons.

Japan’s military transformation also includes the deployment of Tomahawk cruise missiles and long-range Type 12 missiles, significantly boosting its ability to conduct precise, long-range, and highly lethal strikes.

According to experts, this development signals Japan’s readiness to actively challenge China’s naval operations and neutralise North Korea’s nuclear deterrents. With the deployment of HVGP and scramjet-based hypersonic cruise missiles, Japan is poised to shift the strategic balance in the region.

Location :

Japan

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News world Japan’s Hypersonic Leap Puts China’s Fighter Jets — And Pakistan’s Hopes — At Risk