US approves $200m Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectiles sale

The US State Department has approved a potential $200 million sale of Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectiles (HVGP) capability support and related equipment to Japan, according to a 10 March notification to Congress by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

The Japanese government has requested equipment and services to support its indigenous HVGP capability, including test preparation, testing, and transportation support, as well as coordination meetings in the United States and Japan.

The DSCA states that the sale is intended to strengthen Japan’s defence capabilities, particularly for the protection of remote islands.

According to the agency, the deal will “support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific region.”

The DSCA further noted that “the proposed sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region,” and that Japan “will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and services into its armed forces.”

Unlike many other foreign military sales, this agreement will see equipment and services provided directly by the US Government rather than through private contractors. At this time, the DSCA is “not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale,” though it states that any such agreement would be negotiated separately between Japan and relevant suppliers.

The agency confirmed that the sale “will not require the assignment of any additional US Government or contractor representatives to Japan,” nor will it “adversely impact US defense readiness.”

While the $200 million figure represents the highest estimated cost, the DSCA clarified that the final amount could be lower, depending on Japan’s budget, final requirements, and the signed sales agreement.