Japan has announced the start of a project to develop a vertical launch system (VLS) for its next‑generation diesel‑electric submarines, a first that would allow these vessels to carry ballistic, cruise and hypersonic missiles. The system is designed to launch the naval version of the HVGP (Type 25) ballistic missile, as well as cruise and hypersonic weapons. The project will run from 2026 to 2029 with an estimated research cost of about 3.9 billion yen (roughly 25 million USD). Engineers aim to preserve stealth and maneuverability while enabling vertical missile launch from the submarine’s silos. Conceptual images show each launch module housing seven to eight vertical cells, and the new submarines could be equipped with two to three modules, giving a capacity of 14 to 24 missiles. Currently, Japan’s submarines only carry 533 mm anti‑ship Harpoon missiles launched from torpedo tubes; the new VLS would significantly expand their land‑attack and long‑range strike capabilities.