Jonathan Chan relocates to Komaki, Japan to lead Northrop Grumman’s Glide Phase Interceptor program; expands international defense collaboration with Japan
Crossing Cultures and Defending Futures | Northrop Grumman
Crossing Cultures and Defending Futures From Arizona to Japan, the purpose-built Glide Phase Interceptor is redefining how allies defend against next generation threats. From Arizona to Japan, the purpose-built Glide Phase Interceptor is redefining how allies defend against next generation threats. By Rachel Ellis Hypersonic missiles can fly faster than five times the speed of sound, evade detection with unpredictable flight paths and strike targets with deadly precision in minutes. Stopping them pushes defense technology to its limits and stretches teamwork across continents. Jonathan Chan, a program manager for Northrop Grumman’s Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) program, knows this firsthand. As Northrop Grumman is leading GPI work in partnership with Japan, Jonathan is preparing to take on that challenge by relocating to Komaki, Japan, nearly 6,000 miles away from home in Chandler, Arizona. Jonathan will help lead a critical international effort to intercept these next-generation threats during their most vulnerable moments. “This work is challenging but deeply fulfilling because it’s about partnership on every level — technical, cultural, and personal,” Jonathan said. “I’m eager to live and work in Japan to continue building trust with our partners and deepen our collaboration.” Hypersonic missiles represent a new class of threat unlike anything missile defense systems were originally designed to counter. These weapons launch into space briefly before gliding at extreme speeds through the atmosphere. Their highly maneuverable glide phase — when the missile travels toward its target after reentry — hampers traditional radar and interceptor systems, compressing the window to detect and act on the threat. Northrop Grumman’s GPI focuses on countering hypersonic missiles precisely during this glide phase. To do so, it integrates cutting-edge sensor technologies capable of quickly detecting and tracking these fast-moving threats, paired with interceptor missiles agile enough to pursue and destroy them mid-flight. The system demands a seamless network of command, control, and communication technologies, and it wouldn’t be possible without operating across national boundaries and organizational cultures. Northrop Grumman is partnering with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, Japan’s Ministry of Defense, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to build this sophisticated aerospace shield through collaboration that blends advanced engineering with diplomatic relationships. “Technology advances when people bring open ears and empathy to the table,” said Demeron Skouson, Northrop Grumman’s leader of cooperative GPI development. “By embracing cultural differences, we’re able to solve problems faster and push boundaries further than we could alone.” Jonathan’s preparations for relocating thousands of miles away from home stretch well beyond technical training or logistics. Recognizing the importance of cultural intelligence in sustaining a true partnership, he has immersed himself in Japanese language courses, cultural workshops, and mentorship programs designed to foster deeper understanding between the teams. “What I’m learning goes beyond words or customs,” Jonathan said. “It’s about how communication itself works differently. In Japan, listening carefully, showing humility, and making decisions through consensus are important parts of every interaction. What feels direct and efficient in the U.S. can sometimes be received differently there. Being mindful of that helps me approach each conversation more thoughtfully.” This cultural sensitivity training has helped Jonathan anticipate challenges and opportunities in virtual and face-to-face collaboration alike. It reinforces the program’s emphasis on empathy and respect, which is as critical as technical expertise. Jonathan looks forward to being in Japan where he can work with his counterparts in real time. “Being physically present will let us tackle problems as they happen instead of waiting for emails across time zones,” he said. “It will speed decision-making and build the kind of trust that only comes from shared space and experiences.” The GPI program is pioneering not only advanced missile defense technology but also a model for international cooperation amid evolving global threats. Transparency about obstacles, open communication, and a willingness to adapt have all strengthened the partnership. It’s a fusion of diverse perspectives and mutual respect that drives innovation. As the program moves toward production, Jonathan’s dedication — from immersive cultural preparation to collaborating onsite with Japanese partners — embodies the spirit of this alliance: a shared commitment to safeguarding both nations through partnership as much as through technology. Read more about how Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) and its purpose-built counter hypersonic defeat capabilities. Photo caption: At top, Northrop Grumman’s Jonathan Chan (left) and Demeron Skouson. Northrop Grumman leads the international Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) program, advancing hypersonic missile defense through cutting-edge technology and cross-cultural collaboration with Japan.