Japan and the United States have inked a deal to develop interceptor systems to counter hypersonic missiles that might be deployed against them by adversaries in the region, such as Russia, China, or North Korea.
Plans for the project were announced in August last year during a meeting at Camp David between the leaders of the two countries. The cost is estimated at over $3 billion.
Termed the Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI), the system would attack incoming missiles when they are above the atmosphere, and in a highly vulnerable position. Most interceptors attempt to bring down their targets shortly before their impact.
Said Japan’s Ministry of Defence: ‘In recent years, around Japan, missile-related technologies such as hypersonic weapons have improved dramatically. Strengthening interception capabilities against them is an urgent issue.’
Contractors are being selected, with a target of fielding the system in 2030.