Japan Unveils Footage of Hypersonic Missile Test for Island Defense

 

Japan has taken a significant step in bolstering its defense capabilities by successfully testing the Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile (HVGP). This hypersonic missile test was conducted by the Acquisition Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) of Japan's Ministry of Defense (MoD) on March 23, 2024, in the United States. The test, which was publicly announced last week, showcased the HVGP as a “High-Speed Gliding Missile for Island Defense,” categorizing it within the boost-glide vehicle class.

The HVGP is part of Japan’s strategic effort to counter the growing hypersonic threats from China, Russia, and North Korea. Hypersonic weapons, capable of traveling at speeds greater than five times the speed of sound and maneuvering during flight, pose a significant challenge to current missile defense systems. Japan’s HVGP is scheduled for deployment by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) in the fiscal year 2026.

Development of the HVGP began in 2018, aiming for completion by 2025. However, due to escalating regional threats, mass production started early in 2023. The missile will be developed in phases, with the initial “Early Deployment Version (Block 1)” tested recently. Future versions, “Enhanced Capability Version (Block 2A)” and “Enhanced Capability Version (Block 2B),” are planned to extend the missile’s range to 2,000 km and 3,000 km, respectively, by the fiscal years 2027 and 2030.

The HVGP’s design allows it to be launched from a truck-mounted booster, with the warhead separating mid-flight to glide towards its target. This design enhances its agility and makes it difficult to intercept. The primary guidance system is the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), with an inertial navigation system as a backup. Future enhancements may include radio-frequency imaging and infrared homing for engaging moving targets.

Japan has been proactively working on hypersonic standoff systems, including the Hypersonic Cruise Missile (HCM) and the HVGP, to strengthen its defense posture. Japan's defense minister, Yasukazu Hamada, has emphasized the importance of these developments in response to increasing military threats from neighboring countries. The HVGP is expected to serve as a crucial component in defending Japan’s isolated islands and maintaining regional stability.

The recent test aimed to evaluate the HVGP’s fundamental propulsion, materials, and electronic systems. Further tests are necessary to confirm the system’s full operational capabilities. The HVGP could potentially be adapted for anti-ship roles, providing a versatile defense tool against various threats. Japan's proactive steps in hypersonic missile development reflect its commitment to enhancing national security and maintaining a technological edge in the region.

Could Israel Acquire F-22 Raptors as the US Air Force Retires Them?

 

The US Air Force (USAF) plans to retire its older F-22 Raptors in 2024, deeming upgrades too costly. However, Israel, a key ally, might find value in acquiring these fifth-generation fighter jets despite upgrade expenses surpassing $2 billion. 

Unlike the widely exported F-35, the F-22 has only been operated by the US due to a 1990s Congressional ban aimed at preventing its advanced stealth technology from reaching adversaries like Russia and China.

Former President Donald Trump once considered selling the F-22 to Israel to maintain its military edge, especially after agreeing to sell F-35s to the UAE. With the USAF seeking to redirect funds from retiring Block 20 F-22s to new projects like hypersonic missile development and the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter, 32 out of 185 F-22s are set for storage. Despite operational costs of $485 million annually, experts argue that transferring these aircraft to Israel would bolster US allies against threats from Iran, Russia, and China.

National security analyst Brandon J. Weichert suggests that selling F-22s to Israel could help reopen production lines, reduce costs, and sustain the jet's long-term viability. The F-22, although not designed for export, offers unparalleled capabilities, as demonstrated in exercises like Northern Edge 2006, where it achieved a 108-to-zero kill ratio against top fighter jets.

Developed under the Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) program, the F-22 Raptor is a single-seat, twin-engine stealth fighter with superior air-to-air and ground attack capabilities. Despite its high cost and certain limitations, such as a relatively short range and small weapons magazine, the F-22 remains a formidable asset. The USAF originally planned to procure 750 units but scaled down to 187 by 2009, with the last delivery in 2012.

As the USAF considers the future of its F-22 fleet, transferring some of these aircraft to Israel could ensure the US remains strategically prepared with well-armed allies, particularly amid growing global tensions.

Pentagon Recommits to Sentinel Nuclear Missile Amid Rising Costs and Program Overhaul

 

The Pentagon remains dedicated to developing the LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile despite escalating costs, instructing the U.S. Air Force to restructure the program to manage expenses. The Sentinel, made by Northrop Grumman, is now projected to cost $140.9 billion, an 81% increase from the initial $77.7 billion estimate. Without modifications, costs could reach $160 billion. This restructuring will delay the program by several years. 

William LaPlante, undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, emphasized the necessity of modernizing nuclear forces despite the costs. The Sentinel is set to replace the aging Minuteman III missile. In January, the Air Force reported severe cost overruns, prompting a critical Nunn-McCurdy breach review. LaPlante decided to continue with the Sentinel, citing its essential role in national security and the lack of cheaper alternatives.

Significant changes are expected, including rescinding the program's Milestone B approval and ordering a complete restructure to address cost overruns and management issues. The per-unit cost, initially $118 million in 2020, has risen to about $214 million, including additional components.

 Andrew Hunter, the Air Force’s assistant secretary for acquisition, technology, and logistics, supported LaPlante's decision and pledged to devise a restructuring plan over the next few months. This plan will likely take 18 to 24 months for the Pentagon's approval.

Most cost overruns are linked to Sentinel’s command and launch segment, including missile silos and launch control centers. The Air Force aims to scale back these facilities to reduce costs and transition timelines from the Minuteman III system to the new Sentinel facilities. Northrop Grumman continues to make progress on the Sentinel, achieving key milestones in design, development, and testing.

 The Pentagon now has better information on Sentinel's complexities, leading to more accurate cost estimates. The Air Force has established oversight committees and executive officers to manage its nuclear enterprise, ensuring the Minuteman III’s sustainability during the interim period.

Gen. Jim Slife, the Air Force’s vice chief of staff, noted that the most challenging decisions regarding program cuts would be made after establishing the new baseline costs, which are expected to emerge in the next few years.

Turkey's KAAN Fighter Jet: Ambitious Plans for Global Sales and Advanced Capabilities

 In a recent interview with Gdh TV, Mehmet Demiroğlu, the executive director of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), detailed the ambitious plans for the KAAN fighter jet, which is touted as Turkey's fifth-generation fighter. Preliminary data suggests that the Turkish Air Force will acquire over 100 KAAN aircraft. Additionally, TAI aims to secure international orders, potentially boosting total sales to between 250 and 300 units. Friendly and allied nations are expected to receive around 150 of these jets. 

The KAAN recently completed its second flight, with former TAI executive Temel Kotil claiming the aircraft would surpass the American F-35 in performance. TAI is actively promoting the KAAN internationally to avoid a significant price hike, as the cost of each jet could exceed $100 million without external orders. 

Potential partners include Azerbaijan, with whom Turkey signed a cooperation agreement last summer, and Pakistan. Ukraine has also shown interest, with their ambassador to Turkey indicating plans to both purchase and utilize the KAAN fighters. By 2028, the Turkish Air Force plans to receive 20 KAAN fighters, with production expected to ramp up significantly by 2030.

The KAAN fighter, also known as the TF-X, is designed to perform a variety of missions, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, and reconnaissance. It is being developed by TAI in collaboration with various national and international partners. The aircraft's dimensions include a length of approximately 19 meters, a wingspan of around 12 meters, and a height of about 6 meters. Its twin-engine setup will enable high-speed maneuvers and sustained supersonic flight, though the exact engine model is not yet confirmed. 

The KAAN boasts advanced stealth capabilities, supercruise ability, and highly agile aerodynamics, reducing its radar cross-section. Its avionics suite features advanced radar systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and an integrated sensor fusion system for comprehensive situational awareness and multi-target engagement. 

The aircraft will carry various weapons, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, precision-guided bombs, and a built-in cannon, with multiple hardpoints for external weapons and fuel tanks. Its operational range is projected to be around 1,200 nautical miles without refueling, extendable with external fuel tanks or aerial refueling.

Promoting the KAAN in the international market is crucial for Turkey to manage costs and enhance its defense capabilities. The aircraft’s advanced features and ambitious production plans reflect Turkey’s commitment to establishing a robust and competitive aerospace industry. The KAAN project, led by TAI with both national and international collaborations, represents a significant step forward in Turkey’s defense technology and its aspirations for a stronger presence in the global defense market.

China's 'Monster' Coast Guard Vessel Anchors in Philippine Waters, Escalating South China Sea Tensions

 In a move considered "intimidation" by Philippine officials, China has anchored its enormous coast guard vessels within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ), heightening tensions in the South China Sea. On July 3, the China Coast Guard vessel CCG-5901 anchored near Sabina Shoal in the Spratly Islands, about 130 kilometers northwest of the Philippine island of Palawan. This vessel remained in place as of July 6.

The Philippine Coast Guard quickly warned the Chinese vessel and questioned its intentions. Jay Tarriela, the spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard, emphasized that the Philippines would not back down from its territorial claims in the South China Sea. “It’s an intimidation on the part of the China Coast Guard,” Tarriela stated. “We’re not going to pull out, and we’re not going to be intimidated.”

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a regular press briefing, denied the Philippines' claim that the area was within its EEZ. Spokesperson Lin Jian stated, “China’s military and police ships patrolling and enforcing the law in the waters near Xianbin Jiao comply with China’s domestic law and international law,” using the Chinese name for the Sabina Shoal.

China asserts "indisputable sovereignty" over almost the entire South China Sea, leading to overlapping claims with several countries, including the Philippines. Despite a 2016 ruling by an international tribunal in The Hague favoring the Philippines and rejecting China's broad claims, Beijing continues to enforce its territorial ambitions through its coast guard and militia boats.

Over the past year, China Coast Guard ships, often supported by militia boats, have been involved in numerous incidents, resulting in damage to Philippine vessels and injuries to Filipino sailors. The CCG-5901, with its significant size and firepower, frequently leads China's efforts to assert control. Last year, this vessel was deployed near Vanguard Bank, a contentious area between Vietnam and China, highlighting its role in regional power dynamics.

China's coast guard vessels, dubbed "The Monster," are the largest of their kind globally. At 541 feet in length and displacing 12,000 tons, these vessels dwarf most other coast guard ships, including those of the United States. Their impressive size and capabilities make them pivotal in China's strategy of intimidation and control over disputed waters.

The BRP Teresa Magbanua, the largest and most advanced vessel in the Philippine Coast Guard, has been stationed at Sabina Shoal since April to counter the presence of Chinese maritime militias. Measuring 97 meters, it is considerably smaller than the Chinese CCG-5901 but remains a crucial asset for the Philippines. Despite its size, the Teresa Magbanua will continue to patrol and ensure the security of Philippine waters.

Philippine Coast Guard officials have stated that while the Teresa Magbanua is vital to their operations, it is not meant to be a permanent outpost but rather a patrol vessel safeguarding Philippine sovereignty. This stance reflects the broader regional tensions and the ongoing struggle for control and influence in the South China Sea.