The United States and Japan have signed an agreement to jointly develop a new missile defense system to counter the threat posed by hypersonic weapons owned by countries like China, Russia, and North Korea. The project, named the Glide Sphere Interceptor, was agreed upon by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and President Joe Biden during a summit in August. The system is expected to be deployed by the mid-2030s. The agreement signed on Wednesday outlines the responsibilities and decision-making process for the project, marking a significant step forward.
Hypersonic weapons are capable of exceeding Mach 5, posing a significant challenge to existing regional missile-defense systems due to their speed and maneuverability. Japan’s defense ministry considers this a pressing issue as the threat of hypersonic weapons in the region continues to escalate. The country will play a crucial role in developing a part of the interceptor that separates in space to neutralize incoming warheads, as well as its rocket motors. Japan has allocated approximately 75.7 billion yen ($490 million) for the initial development and testing of the interceptor.
The development of the hypersonic missile interceptor involves competition between two major U.S. defense contractors, Raytheon Technologies and Northrop Grumman, under the guidance of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency. Japan’s contribution to the project is estimated to be around $1 billion, as part of the total cost exceeding $3 billion for the interceptor’s development. These interceptors are intended to be deployed on Aegis-class destroyers, similar to the ship-to-air Standard Missile-3, which Japan has previously co-developed with the United States. This collaboration highlights the increasing cooperation between the two allies in fortifying their defense capabilities against evolving threats.
Japan has been intensifying its military build-up in response to growing security concerns, emphasizing the importance of strengthening its deterrence capabilities. The country has also relaxed its weapons export policy, allowing for the co-development and export of lethal weapons to third countries. This shift in policy reflects Japan’s commitment to enhancing its defense posture and contributing to regional security. The joint development of the Glide Sphere Interceptor underscores the close partnership and mutual commitment between the United States and Japan in addressing emerging security challenges and safeguarding regional stability.
The deployment of the Glide Sphere Interceptor is seen as a crucial step in countering the growing threat posed by hypersonic weapons in the Asia-Pacific region. By combining their technological expertise and resources, the United States and Japan aim to develop a cutting-edge missile defense system that can effectively intercept and neutralize hypersonic threats. The signing of the agreement marks the beginning of a collaborative effort to address a complex and evolving security environment, underscoring the commitment of both countries to enhancing their defense capabilities and ensuring regional stability. As the project progresses, further cooperation and coordination between the two allies are expected to strengthen their collective defense posture and reinforce their strategic partnership in the face of evolving security challenges.
