DOD and Japanese MOD Commencement of Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) Cooperative Development.

"Due to repeated missile launches and progress in the development of hypersonic weapons around Japan, missile attacks on Japan have become a real threat. It is an urgent need."

Department of Defense: During the January 2023 Security Consultative Committee (“2+2”) meeting, the United States and Japan concurred with beginning discussions on the potential joint development of a future interceptor.

Based on subsequent studies, the U.S. Department of Defense and Japan Ministry of Defense decided to initiate a Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) Cooperative Development program as an important part of implementation for the 2023 U.S.-Japan bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Research, Development, Test and Evaluation Projects (RDT&E).

The development of a counter-hypersonic capability is a pressing need for both countries to address challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, including the emergence of offensive hypersonic and other sophisticated missile capabilities for potential acts of coercion. 

The GPI co-development will build upon long-standing U.S.-Japan missile defense cooperation and strengthen the Alliance deterrence posture.

Japanese Ministry Of Defense: Japan And US To Start Interceptor Discussions: