Japan Accelerates Counterstrike Capability with Deployment of Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectiles and Upgraded Type 12 Missiles

Japan will activate its first homegrown long range missiles on March 31, 2026, marking a new era for its counterstrike strategy and island defense.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 12, 2026, 6:17 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Diplomat

Defense Milestone: Tokyo Transitions from Shield to Sword

In a significant departure from its historical post war defense posture, Japan is set to begin the formal deployment of advanced "standoff" missile systems at the end of this month. According to Takahashi Kosuke, Tokyo correspondent for The Diplomat, the March 31 activation of these weapons represents the practical implementation of the "counterstrike strategy" outlined in Japan’s National Security Strategy. These systems are specifically designed to strike invading forces or hostile naval assets from outside their engagement ranges, providing a critical deterrent in the East China Sea.

Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile (HVGP) for Remote Island Defense

The HVGP is among the most technologically ambitious projects in the Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) arsenal. Unlike traditional ballistic missiles, the HVGP is launched via a rocket motor before detaching to glide at high speeds while maneuvering to evade enemy interceptors. The Ministry of Defense has prioritized the deployment of this system to defend Japan’s southwestern islands, where maritime incursions have become increasingly frequent. By deploying these projectiles, Tokyo aims to complicate the strategic calculus of any potential adversary seeking to occupy remote Japanese territories.

Upgraded Type 12 Missiles Enhance Maritime Denial

Alongside the HVGP, the military will deploy an upgraded version of the Type 12 surface to ship missile. While the original version was limited to a range of approximately 200 kilometers, the enhanced variant features a significantly extended reach and reduced radar cross section to improve survivability against modern air defenses. This system is a cornerstone of the JGSDF’s island defense strategy, allowing land based units to deny sea access to hostile fleets across wide swathes of the Pacific.