UPI:
Sept. 19 (UPI) — Japan is developing a hypersonic missile that could reach speeds of Mach-5 or higher, according to local reports. Kyodo News reported Wednesday Tokyo has allocated more funds, or about $57 million, toward research and development for the missiles in next year’s defense budget.
The Japanese government’s decision to develop the weapons comes at a time when North Korea’s Kim Jong Un has said he supports the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. The missile Japan seeks to develop is capable of attacking enemy bases. Concerns are rising they violate the principles of the country’s defense-oriented policy under the constitution, according to Kyodo.
Japan’s defense ministry plans to build a prototype of a scramjet engine and research technologies for burning jet fuel during high-speed flight, as well as technology for heat-resistant materials. Tests will take place from 2023 to 2025.
