Japan and the United States have signed an agreement to jointly develop a new missile defense system, the Glide Sphere Interceptor, to counter the threat of hypersonic weapons, which are possessed by China, Russia, and being tested by North Korea. The project is set to be deployed by the mid-2030s, and the Japanese defense ministry aims to select contractors and commence development by March 2025. This agreement follows discussions between Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and U.S. President Joe Biden at their summit last August and was reaffirmed during Kishida’s visit to Washington in April.
Hypersonic weapons, capable of exceeding Mach 5, pose a significant threat to regional missile defense systems due to their speed and maneuverability. Intercepting these weapons is a challenging task, but one that is crucial for the security of Japan and its allies. Japan’s defense ministry has recognized the pressing issue and the rapid improvement of hypersonic weapons in the region in recent years, thus prompting the development of the Glide Sphere Interceptor. The agreement outlines the responsibilities and decision-making processes for the project, with Japan tasked with developing the interceptor’s tip that separates in space to destroy the incoming warhead and its rocket motors.
The initial development and testing of the interceptor are estimated to cost Japan $490 million. Components for the two companies, Raytheon Technologies and Northrop Grumman, who are competing to develop the weapon under the leadership of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, will be included in this cost. The MDA has projected total development costs for the hypersonic missile interceptor to exceed $3 billion, with Japan’s share being $1 billion. The interceptors are planned to be deployed on Aegis-class destroyers, which have previously been used for the ship-to-air Standard Missile-3.
In addition to the joint development of the Glide Sphere Interceptor, Japan has been ramping up its military capabilities and emphasizing the need to bolster its deterrence against growing threats in the region. The country has also relaxed its weapons export policy to allow the co-development of lethal weapons with third countries. These efforts reflect Japan’s commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities and strengthening its strategic partnerships with key allies such as the United States.
Furthermore, the collaboration between Japan and the U.S. on the new missile defense system underscores the close military cooperation between the two nations. The agreement highlights the shared concern over the increasing threat posed by hypersonic weapons in the region and the joint commitment to addressing this challenge. By pooling resources and expertise, Japan and the U.S. aim to develop an effective defense against hypersonic threats, enhancing the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region. The Glide Sphere Interceptor project represents a significant milestone in the long-standing security partnership between Japan and the United States.
