The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force debuted the 25-type high-speed glide missile during its largest domestic live-fire exercise on July 7, 2024 [1].
The demonstration marks a significant escalation in Japan's defensive posture. By testing weapons capable of hitting targets hundreds of kilometers away, the military is verifying its ability to conduct counter-strikes to protect remote islands [1, 2].
The 68th iteration of the Fuji Comprehensive Firepower Exercise took place at the East Fuji Training Area in Shizuoka Prefecture [2, 3]. The event served as the first public unveiling and operational test of the 25-type high-speed glide missile, which was officially deployed in March 2024 [1].
Approximately 3,000 personnel participated in the maneuvers [2]. The scale of the exercise was reflected in the volume of munitions used, with the military firing roughly 69.5 tons of ammunition valued at 820 million yen [2].
These exercises are designed to simulate the defense of outlying territories. The JGSDF focused on verifying the precision and effectiveness of its long-range strike capabilities, a key component of Japan's evolving security strategy to deter regional aggression [1, 2].
“The 68th iteration of the Fuji Comprehensive Firepower Exercise took place at the East Fuji Training Area.”
The deployment and public testing of the 25-type high-speed glide missile signal a shift toward a more active deterrence strategy. By focusing on 'counter-strike' capabilities, Japan is moving beyond purely passive defense, aiming to discourage potential adversaries by demonstrating the ability to strike distant targets with high-speed, precision weaponry.
