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Context:

• Amid growing concerns over rivals deploying advanced weapons like hypersonic missiles, Japan is investing in the Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) Project under joint development with the US.

GPI Programme:

• It is part of missile defense system aimed at countering ballistic missile threats during their glide phase.
• It involves the development of advanced interceptor missiles capable of engaging and destroying incoming ballistic missiles.
• The Programme is under joint development by the US and Japan.
• By the end of 2032, Washington and Tokyo aim to achieve full operational capability for the system.

Glide Phase of Ballistic Missiles:

• With a traditional Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), the warhead separates from its booster and continues on a parabolic, gravity-driven trajectory to its target.
• A hypersonic weapon, by contrast, separates from its booster after the peak of its trajectory and accelerates toward the Earth using gravity. It then performs a pitch manoeuvre to begin a flatter trajectory called the glide phase.
• Unlike typical ballistic missiles, the hypersonic and glide vehicles travel at five times (or more) the speed of sound on an unpredictable trajectory.

What is the project all about?

• Hypersonic weapons or missiles pose a unique challenge due to their blinding speeds and relatively low altitudes (20 to 80 km) during the glide phase.
• These characteristics make it particularly challenging for ground-based radar systems to track them effectively.
• The GPI project aims to provide regional hypersonic missile defence.
• It will achieve this by launching specially modified missiles from surface warships.
• These missiles will engage and destroy incoming hypersonic missiles as they glide through the boundary between space and Earth’s atmosphere.
• The “glide” phase of the missile’s trajectory provides the best opportunityto intercept it before it enters its last high-speed drop.

Significance:

• The Programme signifies advancements in missile defense technology, including the development of high-speed interceptors, advanced sensors, and real-time targeting systems.
• These technological enhancements enable precise and timely interception of ballistic missiles during their most vulnerable phase.
• The development of effective glide phase interceptors is strategically important for India's national security, especially in countering potential missile threats from adversarial nations.
• It adds a layer of defense capability by targeting missiles earlier in their trajectory.
• Deployment of GPI interceptors at strategic locations will further strengthen India's defense capabilities.

Read about India missiles:

https://www.iasgyan.in/blogs/indian-missiles-an-overview

Source:

https://www.news9live.com/knowledge/what-is-the-glide-phase-interceptor-gpi-programme-2529244

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