The Japanese Ministry of Defense has announced that it will begin developing submarine-launched hypersonic missiles and long-range strike UAV systems in 2027…
Japan will also develop technologies for submarine-launched hypersonic missiles, which are more difficult to intercept, as well as technologies that would enable unmanned underwater vehicles to launch long-range missiles.
The programs have been included in Japan’s 2027 defense budget as part of efforts to strengthen its counterstrike capabilities.
As part of this effort, Japan is developing a vertical launch system (VLS) that will allow submarines to operate different types of missiles.
The VLS is planned to be capable of launching cruise and hypersonic missiles as well as ballistic missiles.
Each launch module will have seven to eight missile cells, while a submarine is expected to carry two or three launch modules, providing a total of 14 to 24 missile cells.
The main advantage of launching hypersonic missiles from submarines is that the missile system can take advantage of the submarine’s low detectability, providing a more covert strike option.
A submarine can launch the missile from a difficult-to-detect position underwater, making it harder for an adversary to determine the launch point of an attack…