---
title: Hypersonic Guided Missiles
type: technology
url: "https://www.envisioning.com/research/aegis/japan__hypersonic-weapons"
hub: aegis
summary: Japan begins mass production of Mach 5+ hypersonic guided missiles in FY2026 — with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries leading production and ground-launched Block 1 variant nearing deployment.
---

# Hypersonic Guided Missiles

Japan begins mass production of Mach 5+ hypersonic guided missiles in FY2026 — with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries leading production and ground-launched Block 1 variant nearing deployment.
- Technology Readiness Level: 7/9
- Impact: 4/5
- Investment: 5/5
Japan's Ministry of Defense announced mass production of hypersonic guided missiles beginning FY2026, with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries leading production of the Block 1 ground-launched variant. These missiles fly at Mach 5+ (over 6,000 km/h), making them extremely difficult to intercept with current missile defense systems. The program is complemented by upgraded Type 12 surface-to-ship missiles with extended range for air-launched deployment from F-2 fighters by FY2027.

The hypersonic missile program is part of Japan's broader 'stand-off defense' strategy — the ability to strike threats before they reach Japanese territory. This represents a fundamental shift from Japan's traditional exclusively-defensive posture. The Ministry of Defense's record budget for FY2026 includes substantial allocations for hypersonic weapons, long-range cruise missiles (including 400 US Tomahawk Block-5 as interim capability), and unmanned combat systems.

Japan is simultaneously developing hypersonic missile interceptors — Mitsubishi signed a ¥56 billion ($366 million) contract for an interceptor system due for completion by March 2029. This dual development (offensive hypersonic + defensive counter-hypersonic) positions Japan as one of the few nations pursuing both sides of the hypersonic equation, alongside the US, Russia, and China.

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Source: Envisioning — Technology Research Institute (https://www.envisioning.com/research/aegis/japan__hypersonic-weapons)