US and Japan Seek Partnership to Develop Hypersonic Missile Defense Capabilities

Increased Military Tensions Between North Korea and China

The United States and Japan are reportedly seeking a partnership to develop hypersonic missile defense capabilities, Defense News reported on the 21st (local time).

According to the report, John Hill, Director (Lieutenant General) of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA), stated at a meeting held last week in Washington that they are considering cooperation with Japan regarding the top priority glide phase interceptor (GPI) system. He said, "We are exploring what areas are possible for cooperative development."

Director Hill mentioned that considering Japan currently produces the second and third stage rockets of the SM-3 Block IIA interceptor missile mounted on Aegis ships, they could propose developing the GPI propulsion system. However, Japan is interested in developing the warhead side, and he explained, "We are looking for common ground."

Recently, as military threats from China and North Korea have escalated in Northeast Asia, the United States is strengthening its regional defense posture. On the 13th, the U.S. Department of Defense requested a 2024 budget for missile defense programs amounting to $14.8 billion, a 20% increase from the previous year.