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.

Japan Unveils Future Destroyer with Game-Changing Electromagnetic Railgun Technology

 In October 2023, Japan achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first nation to successfully test-fire a medium-caliber maritime electromagnetic railgun from an offshore platform. Following this success, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) is now considering the development of a new class of destroyers equipped with electromagnetic railguns.

The 13DDX future destroyer concept, developed by the Ministry of Defense’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA), gained momentum after the successful railgun tests. In May 2024, Vice Admiral Imayoshi Shinichi, ATLA’s Director General of Naval Systems, presented the ambitious plans for the 13DDX at the Combined Naval Event 2024 in Farnborough, UK, where he discussed the future destroyer and submarine projects of the JMSDF.

According to ATLA, the 13DDX—Air Defense Destroyer will be equipped with advanced systems including Rail Guns, Active SAMs, High-Power Lasers, High-speed Maneuvering Target Detection Radar, HPM Weapons, a Fire Control Network, IPES (Downsizing Large-Capacity GEN), AI-based CDS, Autonomous Navigation, Automated Damage Control, and modular mission capabilities.

The 13DDX will also feature directed energy weapons (DEW) and a new multifunction radar optimized for detecting high-speed targets. It will incorporate elements from the JMSDF’s Asahi-class destroyers and Mogami-class frigates.

In early 2022, the Japanese Ministry of Defense decided to develop an electromagnetic weapon system to intercept hypersonic missiles. By 2023, ATLA successfully tested this system, marking the first maritime railgun test ever conducted. Railguns use electromagnetic energy to fire projectiles at speeds around Mach 7, targeting ships, missiles, and aircraft without the need for gunpowder or explosive propellants.

A railgun can theoretically fire a projectile the size of a bowling ball fast enough to destroy a small building over long distances. Due to their significant power requirements, railguns are typically large and not portable, though there are proposals to adapt this technology for non-weapon uses such as launching aircraft and spacecraft.

The medium-sized electromagnetic railgun prototype developed by ATLA, first seen in May 2023, can fire 40mm steel rounds weighing 320g (0.7lb). The railgun uses five megajoules (MJ) of charge energy to fire bullets at speeds around 2,230m/s (Mach 6.5). ATLA aims to eventually operate the railgun on 20 MJ of charge energy.

Japan plans to deploy the railgun both on land and at sea. Initially, the Aegis Ashore land-based system was intended to enhance ballistic missile interception capabilities, but this plan was abandoned in 2020. The development and testing of railguns come as Japan seeks to counter the threat from hypersonic weapons developed by China, North Korea, and Russia.

Admiral Shinichi emphasized the need to enhance Japan’s long-range air defense capabilities in response to the challenging security environment and growing anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) capabilities of other countries.

Japan is accelerating the development of formidable firepower due to the tense geopolitical landscape in East Asia. In May 2024, Japan entered a railgun cooperation agreement with France and Germany to jointly explore and deploy this advanced technology. Meanwhile, China faced setbacks in its own electromagnetic hypersonic railgun testing.

Japan is bolstering its defense capabilities with the development of the 13DDX and its electromagnetic railgun technology, signaling a new era in naval warfare. Japan also plans to mount railguns on land-based trucks, creating a mobile defense network capable of intercepting hypersonic missiles. As tensions rise in the Indo-Pacific region, the world will be watching Japan’s naval transformation closely.

North Korea Tests Multi-Warhead Missile, Escalating Regional Tensions

 On June 27, North Korea announced that it successfully tested a multi-warhead missile, a development that could pose significant threats to South Korea, Japan, and the United States if confirmed. This test is seen as an attempt by North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, to evade missile defenses in South Korea and the US, fulfilling his long-standing ambition for a multi-warhead missile.

The announcement from North Korean state media, KCNA, contradicted South Korea’s assessment of a failed weapon test from the previous day. KCNA reported that the test on June 26 involved the separation and guidance control of individual mobile warheads, marking a significant step in advancing missile technologies.

The test aimed to secure Multiple Independently Targeted Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) capability, enabling the delivery of multiple warheads to different targets. The missile’s decoy was detected by radar, and the mobile warheads were successfully guided to three target coordinates.

Reports indicate that North Korea used a modified Hwasong-16 booster for a shortened-range test to validate the release of independent warheads. This test, the first of its kind for North Korea, is considered a preliminary step by international observers.

KCNA quoted the North Korean Missile Administration, highlighting the test as part of a full-scale effort to enhance missile capabilities and technologies. Kim Jong Un has listed a multi-warhead missile among his priorities, alongside hypersonic weapons, spy satellites, solid-fuel ICBMs, and submarine-launched nuclear missiles, all of which are in various development stages.

This development is particularly significant amid rising tensions between North Korea and NATO, especially after North Korea’s provocative actions, such as sending waste-filled balloons across the 39th parallel and issuing multiple warnings against US-South Korea cooperation.

Recently, North Korea revived defense cooperation with Russia, hosting Russian President Vladimir Putin and signaling readiness to send troops to fight in Ukraine. Amid this backdrop, the MIRV test gains critical importance, potentially elevating North Korea’s threat level, especially if the warheads are nuclear.

Despite international sanctions, North Korea is believed to have assembled 40-50 nuclear warheads. In November, Kim Jong Un urged exponential nuclear weapon production and aligning with nations opposing the US in a “New Cold War.”

North Korea’s test follows India’s recent MIRV test, which unsettled its nuclear-armed neighbors, Pakistan and China. Unlike South Korea, which lacks nuclear weapons, this development significantly heightens the threat.

MIRVs can overwhelm missile defenses by deploying multiple warheads simultaneously, making interception more difficult. This sophisticated technology requires advanced capabilities, which some US critics believe North Korea might be receiving from Russia, given their military exchanges.

While the world advocates for nuclear non-proliferation, the development of MIRV technology has faced criticism. Hans Kristensen of the Federation of American Scientists expressed concerns about the increasing number of countries acquiring MIRV capabilities, warning that it could escalate nuclear tensions.

Similar concerns apply to North Korea, which has issued several nuclear threats. The Washington-based Wilson Center noted that MIRVs would significantly undermine US defense capabilities against a North Korean nuclear strike.

South Korea Weighs Arming Ukraine Amid Growing Russia-North Korea Military Ties

 

Triggered by the recent defense agreement between North Korea and Russia, South Korea is considering the possibility of arming Ukraine, according to a report from Yonhap News on June 20. An unnamed official indicated that this reevaluation follows the commitment between North Korean and Russian leaders to support each other in case of conflict.

Though not officially confirmed by the South Korean government, these reports follow Seoul's condemnation of the strategic partnership deal signed by North Korea and Russia. South Korea's government stated that the partnership violated UN sanctions, emphasizing that any cooperation that enhances North Korea's military capabilities breaches UN Security Council resolutions and is subject to international monitoring and sanctions.

In a recent statement, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised South Korea for not directly supplying arms to Ukraine, which was perceived as an olive branch to Seoul, dissatisfied with Moscow's growing military ties with Pyongyang.

Historically, South Korea has been hesitant to send arms to Ukraine due to its policy of not arming countries involved in active conflicts. Despite pressure from NATO allies, Seoul has maintained its stance, although it has indirectly supplied 155mm artillery shells to Ukraine via the United States.

Reports suggest that the two Koreas are engaging in a proxy war, with South Korea indirectly aiding Ukraine and North Korea allegedly supplying weapons to Russia. Chris Park from the Center for Strategic and International Studies noted that this situation effectively places the Koreas in opposition through their support of different sides in the Ukraine conflict.

The new defense cooperation agreements between North Korea and Russia, described as the most significant since the Cold War, have escalated tensions with South Korea. Pyongyang has recently launched provocations, including sending waste-filled balloons and soldiers crossing the border, prompting South Korea to fire warning shots.

Concerns are rising in Seoul about North Korea potentially receiving Russian support for its missile program in return for its military backing. The strategic agreement signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un guarantees mutual assistance in case of aggression.

Although it is unclear if the new agreement offers the same level of protection as the Cold War-era pact, it marks a significant step towards a closer relationship between the two nations. The agreement obliges each party to use all available means to assist the other in case of an attack, in compliance with national laws and Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which upholds the right to self-defense.

Both leaders have characterized the deal as a breakthrough, enhancing cooperation in security, trade, investment, culture, and humanitarianism. Kim Jong Un declared the agreement as the "strongest ever treaty," signaling a solid alliance and full support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Putin referred to it as a significant advancement in their bilateral relations.

China to Expand Nuclear Arsenal by 90 Warheads by End of 2024

 China is set to significantly increase its nuclear warhead count by at least 90 by the end of 2024, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). SIPRI, which has been tracking global armaments for many years, reports that China's nuclear arsenal has grown from 410 warheads in 2022 to approximately 500 currently. This expansion highlights China’s rapid efforts to enhance its military power, although it still lags behind the US and Russia.

Globally, there are 3,904 nuclear warheads ready for launch, with an additional 5,681 in storage, totaling an alarming 9,585 warheads. Among smaller nuclear powers, India holds 172 warheads, Pakistan has 170, North Korea has about 50, and Israel maintains around 90. North Korea, with sufficient nuclear material, could potentially increase its arsenal to 90 warheads.

The transparency of nuclear arsenals has decreased since the US and Russia paused the New START Treaty in 2023, which previously aimed to limit these arsenals. This has contributed to an arms race, with nations enhancing their nuclear capabilities and developing new launchers and ballistic missile submarines. The ongoing investigations into Iran’s nuclear development and escalating international tensions further exacerbate the situation.

Russia and the United States currently possess the largest number of nuclear warheads, with 5,580 and 5,244 respectively. They account for nearly 90% of the world's total nuclear arsenal. Of these, 3,904 warheads are deployed on missiles and aircraft, marking an increase of 60 from the previous year. This includes 1,710 from Russia and 1,770 from the United States. China is estimated to have 24 warheads deployed on missiles.

SIPRI Director Dan Smith highlights that while the total number of nuclear warheads globally continues to decline as Cold War-era weapons are dismantled, there is an annual increase in the number of operational warheads. This trend is expected to accelerate in the coming years, raising significant concerns.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has emphasized ongoing discussions about possibly deploying additional nuclear weapons within the alliance. He underscores the need to demonstrate NATO’s nuclear capabilities to potential adversaries. Stoltenberg notes that China, Russia, and North Korea are the main challenges for NATO and points out China’s significant nuclear arsenal expansion. He forecasts that by 2030, China's nuclear stockpile could reach about 80% of the size of the US and Russian arsenals.

The production of nuclear warheads involves the extraction and refinement of fissile material, primarily uranium-235 and plutonium-239. Uranium-235 is enriched from natural uranium, while plutonium-239 is produced in nuclear reactors. The fissile material is then fashioned into a core or 'pit' surrounded by a tamper and encased in a high-explosive shell designed to compress the core to a supercritical state when detonated.

The warhead’s triggering mechanism involves conventional explosives arranged to ensure symmetrical compression of the fissile core. Advanced designs may also include a neutron initiator to ensure a rapid and sustained chain reaction. The warhead is then integrated into a delivery system, such as a missile or bomb, with rigorous testing and quality control to ensure reliability and safety. Modern warheads include sophisticated electronics for arming, fuzing, and firing, as well as safety mechanisms to prevent accidental detonation.

Throughout the production process, strict security and non-proliferation measures are enforced to prevent unauthorized use or dissemination of nuclear technology, with oversight by organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Putin's Historic Visit to North Korea: Strengthening Military Ties Amidst Global Tensions

 

The Kremlin has announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin will embark on a two-day visit to North Korea, marking his first trip to the reclusive nation in over twenty years. This visit underscores the growing partnership between the two countries. Following his North Korean visit, Putin will travel to Hanoi, Vietnam, for another two-day visit.

Evidence from Ukraine reveals that Russia's military actions are bolstered by more than just its own arsenal. A recent report from the Pentagon’s Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) has unveiled North Korea’s covert role in supporting Moscow's campaign by supplying ballistic missiles.

Since November 2023, North Korea has been discreetly sending artillery rounds and ballistic missiles to Russia, aiding its conflict in Ukraine. The DIA's declassified report highlights North Korea's involvement, showing missile debris in Ukraine that matches North Korean designs.

The DIA report indicates that since November 2023, North Korea has been providing ballistic missiles to Russia, strengthening their alliance. This relationship has grown with increased diplomatic exchanges and visits between the two countries’ leaders. Notably, North Korea was one of the few nations to support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine at the UN.

In September 2023, Kim Jong-un visited Russia, touring military facilities and meeting Putin, which led to Putin planning this reciprocal visit to North Korea.

North Korea’s support for Russia includes supplying at least three million artillery rounds and numerous ballistic missiles. These weapons have been used by Russia in Ukraine, targeting civilian areas and causing significant casualties.

For North Korea, this collaboration offers practical benefits, allowing it to test its missile technology in real-world conditions against advanced missile defenses. This partnership also provides mutual diplomatic support as both nations face heavy Western sanctions.

North Korea has developed advanced missile systems, demonstrated in numerous tests since 2019. The DIA’s analysis compares images of missile debris from Ukraine with North Korean missile designs, confirming their origin.

Historically, North Korea has been a significant player in the global arms trade, selling ballistic missile technology to various countries. Under Kim Jong Un, North Korea has prioritized missile development, creating systems capable of regional and intercontinental strikes, posing a substantial threat to international security.

Putin’s upcoming visit to North Korea follows Kim Jong-un’s rare trip to Russia last year, aiming to solidify their alliance. As both nations face extensive Western sanctions, their relationship has grown closer since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The upcoming summit between Putin and Kim Jong-un is a pivotal moment in global geopolitics, with both leaders known for their authoritarian regimes and nuclear capabilities. Their meeting signifies a crucial point in international relations, as the world watches their next strategic moves.

US Air Force Nears Breakthrough in Rapid Electronic Warfare Updates

 The U.S. Air Force is on the brink of being able to update its electronic warfare (EW) systems with new battlefield data in just a few hours, significantly faster than the current process, a key commander said on Wednesday.

Col. Josh Koslov, head of the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing, has aimed for a rapid three-hour update window for EW systems, a goal he once considered a “moonshot.” Speaking in a webcast hosted by C4ISRNET, Koslov revealed that this target is now within reach.

“We're very close to that, if not already achieving it, for most systems under the spectrum warfare wing,” said Koslov. He noted that more than half of the 70 EW systems managed by his wing can now be updated in three hours or less.

However, many of these systems have unique characteristics, and Koslov emphasized the need for interoperability and open architecture standards to streamline rapid data updates. To support this, the Air Force must develop data production methods that can handle large-scale data processing and quickly relay updates to the field.

Koslov and Brig. Gen. Ed Barker, the Army’s program executive officer for intelligence, electronic warfare, and sensors, discussed the necessity of swift updates to EW systems in future conflicts against advanced adversaries, where battlefield conditions and threats change rapidly.

“Data is the weapon,” Koslov stated. “We must continue to pressure the adversary to gain an advantage and achieve our objectives. Data processing is the key to making that happen.” This involves integrating data from all sources within the joint force, analyzing it to identify new threats, and developing countermeasures to deploy swiftly.

To achieve rapid updates, the Air Force has revised its tactics, techniques, and procedures with a stronger focus on warfighting. Whether updates can be made remotely or require physical connection depends on the specific EW system, with data being processed at locations like Eglin Air Force Base or other reprogramming centers.

This capability will be crucial in major conflicts, such as those involving China or North Korea, where joint forces would be dispersed across the Pacific. “It’s not effective if a new capability is limited to one area,” Koslov said. “We need to distribute it across the force, and centralizing the process is the way to do that moving forward.”

Since its activation in 2021, the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing has expanded its capabilities, recently adding two new squadrons: the 388th at Eglin and the 563rd at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. The 563rd focuses on developing new EW software for operational units, while the 388th studies adversaries like China to find ways to counter their digital capabilities.

The wing’s next objective is to build the 950th Spectrum Warfare Group at Robins, set to be fully operational by 2027. This group will assess and enhance EW systems in Air Force combat aircraft. “We need to evaluate the performance of our platforms and our tactics, techniques, and procedures to ensure we are effective in the EW spectrum,” Koslov concluded.

How Russia Rebuilt Its Military Force and Surprised the West: Pentagon Insights

 

In March, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin detailed the extensive costs Russia has incurred from its invasion of Ukraine: over 315,000 troops killed or wounded, more than $211 billion spent, and 20 ships damaged or sunk in the Black Sea. Speaking at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, Austin emphasized the heavy toll on Russia due to President Vladimir Putin's ambitions.

However, by April, Austin's perspective had shifted. At a news conference, he and Gen. CQ Brown, the top U.S. military officer, acknowledged Russia's unexpected recovery. Austin noted that Russia had significantly increased its production, with its defense industry closely aligned with state directives, allowing rapid ramp-ups. Gen. Brown remarked that Russia had "aggressively reconstituted its military force."

This evolving view of Russia's military capabilities suggests a faster recovery than anticipated by the U.S. Initially, experts estimated that Russia's reconstitution of its military, especially its high-end equipment, would take five to ten years. U.S. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines and other officials shared this long-term outlook in early 2023.

Yet, recent observations indicate that Russia's military has rebounded to pre-invasion levels. Gen. Christopher Cavoli, the top U.S. military officer in Europe, highlighted that despite some gaps, Russia's overall military capacity remains significant, with intentions to further expand.

Several factors have contributed to this rapid recovery:

1. Resilient Defense Industry: Russia has nearly tripled its defense budget, spending between $130 billion and $140 billion in 2024, equivalent to a substantial share of its GDP. This increased spending has boosted salaries and attracted more workers to the defense sector, with official figures showing a 20% rise in defense industry employment during the war. This funding has also facilitated the procurement of military hardware, doubling the budget share allocated for equipment.

2. Sanction Evasion: Despite a wide range of sanctions from the U.S. and Europe, Russia has managed to reroute its supply lines through allies like China. Trade between Russia and China hit an all-time high, with Chinese companies supplying critical components for Russian weapon production.

3. Support from Allies: Other U.S. adversaries, such as North Korea and Iran, have provided direct military aid to Russia. North Korea has supplied millions of artillery rounds, and Iran has sent numerous drones, which Russia has used extensively against Ukraine.

Russia's military growth raises concerns about sustainability. The U.K.'s Adm. Tony Radakin pointed out that while Russia is making progress, it relies heavily on Soviet-era inventories and struggles to train new recruits effectively. Despite substantial casualties, Russia continues to launch offensives, raising questions about how long it can maintain such operations.

Russia's reconstitution has involved refurbishing old equipment and leveraging partnerships with countries like Belarus and North Korea. However, the sustainability of these efforts remains uncertain, with varying estimates of Russia's actual production capabilities.

As both Russia and Ukraine face challenges in sustaining their military operations, the broader implications for NATO and global security continue to evolve. While Russia's recent advancements are significant, experts like Radakin believe that it will take about a decade for Russia to pose a serious threat to NATO again.