Glide Phase Interceptor
A US-Japan interceptor built to catch hypersonic weapons while they glide.
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ROLE
Sea-based interceptor that engages hypersonic glide vehicles in the long glide phase of their flight.
STRENGTHS
- Engages hypersonic weapons during their glide, before the final dive
- Launched from Aegis ships already at sea
- Cost and work shared between the US and Japan
WEAKNESSES
- Still in development; service planned around 2032
- Needs space and sea sensors to track a maneuvering target
- Unit cost not yet published
Hypersonic glide vehicles were designed to slip between traditional missile defenses: too low for exo-atmospheric interceptors and too fast for short-range ones. The Glide Phase Interceptor is meant to catch them during the long glide in the middle of their flight.
The United States integrates the interceptor into Aegis ships, while Japan develops the rocket motors and propulsion. For China's growing hypersonic arsenal, that partnership is a direct answer.