Japan unveils 2027 defense budget plan for submarine-launched hypersonic missiles

September 5, 2026 at 05:00 PM1 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi presented a preliminary 2027 defense budget to parliament that includes funding for new submarine-launched hypersonic missile weapons. The program aims to expand Japan's long-range strike capabilities amid growing missile threats from China and North Korea.

Key Facts

The preliminary 2027 defense budget includes funding for a new submarine-launched hypersonic missile program.
The weapon may be either a vertically launched hypersonic ballistic missile or a hypersonic cruise missile fired through a torpedo tube.
Japan is already developing the Type 25 hypersonic glide vehicle, with the Block 2B version having a range of up to 1,620 nautical miles at speeds above Mach 5.
Current Taigei-class submarines lack vertical launch systems for large missiles, so a new submarine platform may be required.

Budget Proposal

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi submitted the preliminary 2027 defense budget to parliament. The document allocates funds for the development of new submarine-launched missile weapons. The program is described as a 'highly protected missile' capable of early-stage, long-range use.

Missile Options

The Maritime Executive reports the weapon could be a hypersonic ballistic missile with vertical launch or a hypersonic cruise missile with a ramjet engine launched through a torpedo tube. Both variants offer high speed and in-flight maneuverability, reducing target reaction time and complicating detection and interception. Submarine basing allows covert deployment and increases the survivability of the strike capability.

Regional Threats

The program is linked to growing missile capabilities in China and North Korea. Tokyo is particularly concerned about Pyongyang's development of submarine missile systems and the prospect of a North Korean submarine capable of launching nuclear-armed ballistic missiles. Current Taigei-class submarines lack vertical launch systems for large missiles, likely requiring a new submarine platform.