Japan Plans Development of Underwater-Launched Hypersonic Missile
Japan has announced its intention to develop an underwater-launched hypersonic guided missile, a move that could significantly enhance the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's (JMSDF) sea-based strike capabilities. This development was revealed in the Japan Ministry of Defense's (MoD) FY2027 budget request overview document, released on August 31. The plan involves creating a derivative of its Type 25 Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile (25HGP) that can be deployed from an underwater platform. While no specific budget figure for this particular project was disclosed, it falls under a special funding request category. This initiative is part of Japan's broader hypersonic guided missile (HGM) effort, which aims to equip the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) with long-range stand-off weapons capable of exceeding Mach 5. The MoD has allocated JPY14.2 billion (USD89 million) for continued HGM development and JPY167.3 billion for the acquisition of hypersonic missiles and associated ground equipment. The ministry em... 
