Japan has tested a domestically developed ballistic missile at a missile range in California, USA.

The video was published on the official YouTube page of the procurement agency.

The test took place on March 23, 2024, in California, where experts from the Japanese Ministry of Defense and the Defense Institute are collecting relevant information on the missile’s flight capabilities.

The video of the missile’s practical launch shows that the product is in the stage of practical testing and will enter service in 2028, as expected by the Ministry of Defense.

In its official documents, the Ministry of Defense does not use the term ballistic missile but refers to the product as a high-speed anti-ship missile for island defense.

The development of this version of the missile, known as HVGP Block 1, is expected to be completed by 2028. From 2029, these missiles will replace the M270 MLRS missile systems in the land-based self-defense forces.

The exact range of the missile is currently unknown, but according to the procurement agency, it will be able to cover a distance of more than 300 km.

In addition to the Block 1 variant, the Block 2 version and other subtypes, Block 2A and Block 2B, are also being developed, which are aimed at increased range and speed, including the use of a hypersonic glider.

Japan started its active work on the development of ballistic missiles in 2015 after the DPRK began to increase the number of missile tests of its own ballistic missiles of various ranges.

At the same time, Japan is also purchasing and developing its own cruise missiles, which are planned to equip both fighter jets and ground-based missile systems.

Militarnyi previously reported that the Ministry of Defense of Japan signed a contract for the purchase of Tomahawk cruise missiles.

The signed contract covers the purchase of 200 Tomahawk Block 4 cruise missiles, which Japan will receive in 2025 as part of the program to accelerate strike capabilities. Additionally, 200 more Block 5 missiles will be purchased and will enter service with the Maritime Self-Defense Forces in 2026-2027.