Japan plans to develop submarine-launched hypersonic missiles

Reference News Network reported on August 22 According to Kyodo News on August 19, the full details of Japan's Ministry of Defense budget request for the fiscal year 2027 have been revealed. To enhance its "counterattack capability," the Ministry of Defense will promote the research and development of submarine-launched hypersonic missiles to improve its ability to evade enemy attacks. At the same time, the Ministry will also advance the research and development of long-range missile launch capabilities for unmanned underwater vehicles. Additionally, the Ministry has proposed in its budget request the development of attack drones that can be rapidly and cost-effectively mass-produced using civilian components and possess long-range flight capabilities. Several relevant individuals disclosed this information on the 18th.

According to the existing "Defense Capability Development Plan," the Ministry of Defense is expected to request a budget amounting to approximately 8.9 trillion yen (about 56 billion USD). When the Japanese government prepares the budget proposal at the end of the year, it is anticipated that the defense-related budget will further increase, potentially swelling to around 10 trillion yen.

In this budget request, the Ministry of Defense is focusing on three key areas. First is "new defensive methods" to address "new forms of warfare" such as drones and artificial intelligence; second is "sustainable response capabilities" to cope with long-term conflicts; and third is "defense capability foundation," which includes strengthening the production base for defense equipment and improving the treatment of Self-Defense Forces personnel.

The Ministry of Defense is advancing the research and development of vertical launch systems that can be installed on submarines. Submarine-launched missiles can be carried on submarines and unmanned underwater vehicles. As part of strengthening counterattack capabilities, the Ministry will initiate the development of low-cost domestically produced long-range missiles while seeking to procure foreign missiles to quickly achieve relevant capabilities.

In terms of drones, the Ministry plans to procure interceptor drones to enhance air defense capabilities, as well as attack drones that can be launched from vessels. The Joint Operations Command, which unifies the command of the Ground, Maritime, and Air Self-Defense Forces, will establish an AI-based decision support system. Furthermore, the Ministry will introduce a cloud platform that can safely and quickly collect and utilize data.

To strengthen defense capabilities in the Pacific region, the Japanese government will procure long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles for surveillance and monitoring. The Ministry has included relevant research funding in its budget request to prepare for establishing fighter operation and support facilities on Iwo Jima.

Additionally, according to a report by the Russian news agency RIA Novosti on August 20, military analyst and political scientist Vadim Mikhailov believes that Japan's plan to develop submarine-launched hypersonic missiles is a result of yielding to the United States, and this plan poses a real threat to Russia's Far East region. However, he stated in an interview with RIA Novosti that Tokyo is unlikely to take the risk of attacking Russia or China.

Mikhailov explained: "It is regrettable that the current Japanese government has completely lost its autonomy and has fully yielded to the United States. The so-called Japan Self-Defense Forces have actually developed into a quite powerful offensive armed force."

The expert stated: "At the behest of the United States, Japan is vigorously developing hypersonic missiles, which are primarily aimed at Russia, but also at China."

Mikhailov indicated that Japan is consolidating the Far East flank for the benefit of the United States, effectively turning the region into a common battlefield. In this context, the task proposed by Russian President Putin to strengthen the Pacific Fleet is particularly important.

He emphasized that Japan is unlikely to launch an attack on its own, but the situation remains dangerous. (Translation/ Ma Xiaoyun He Yingjun)