On September 19, Kyodo News reported that Japan has allocated $57 million for research and development of a hypersonic missile. The Defense Ministry plans to build a scramjet engine prototype capable of Mach 5 speeds and to explore new technologies for fuel combustion during high-speed flight. Preliminary plans for the missile’s testing period are set for 2023-2025. Kyodo News reported that the missiles will be part of the country’s defensive strategy.