Supersonic glider bombs under development in Japan
Jiji -- Sep 25
Japan's Defense Ministry is developing supersonic glide bombs to strengthen the defense of remote islands, including the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture, southern Japan.

A glide bomb, separated from a missile at a very high altitude, falls at supersonic speed toward the target on ground. It is part of the Ground Self-Defense Force's capability of recapturing invaded or occupied remote islands.

The ministry aims to put glide bombs into practical use in fiscal 2026 by moving up its initial development schedule by about seven years, officials said.

Glide bombs are believed to use mobile launchers. Due to its long range, glide bombs, along with the Air SDF's planned antisurface long-range cruise missiles, may be considered to have an ability to strike enemy bases and raise alarm in neighboring countries.

Propelled by a rocket motor, a glide bomb is separated from a missile at an altitude of several dozen kilometers, glides at supersonic speed in the atmosphere and hits the target on the ground. The high flight speed makes it difficult to intercept the bombs by anti-air firearms. The bombs are expected to be launched from islands around an invaded or occupied remote island.

News source: Jiji