Japan has unveiled a powerful new weapon that is capable of shooting at 2,500m/s, fast enough to counter Chinese hypersonic missiles.
The cutting-edge railgun can also intercept drone swarms and would significantly enhance the Japanese Navy’s air defences.
The weapon, which is being developed by Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA), was recently tested aboard the Maritime Self-Defence Force’s JS Asuka warship.
Unlike traditional artillery systems that use explosives or a powder charge, the weapon fires projectiles with electromagnetic pulses to speeds of around 2,500 m/s – hugely surpassing the speed of conventional tank guns, which reach around 1,750 m/s.
The weapon was recently tested aboard the Maritime Self-Defence Force’s JS Asuka warship
JMSDF
As it uses magnetic force instead of explosives, it is a cheaper and safer alternative to conventional weapons.
Officials believe the railgun will strengthen naval missile defences, as it can more accurately hit sea, air, and land targets than previous conventional weapons.
A spokesperson for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) said: “In preparation for future combat, the Self Defence Fleet promotes research, development and earlier introduction of equipment necessary for the JMSDF in close collaboration with the ATLA and other organisations, as well as continues to build up its defence posture to protect Japanese citizens and the territorial waters.”
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According to Interesting Engineering, the prototype weighs eight tonnes, has a six-metre-long barrel, and can reach speeds of 5,600mph.
Research first began in 2016, and its first onboard firing test took place in October 2023.
It has been reported that the Japanese government allocated around £56million to the programme in 2022.
Timothy Heath, a senior international defence researcher at the Rand Corporation, said that Japan’s development of the technology was bound to happen as a result of China’s military investment.
The weapon is being developed by Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA)
ATLA
“Given China’s enormous inventory of ballistic and growing number of hypersonic missiles that can target Japan, Beijing cannot really be surprised at Japan’s determination to build such defensive systems,” he said.
China has also been developing their own railguns - albeit under a shroud of secrecy.
Photographs from 2018 show the Chinese warship Haiyang Shan equipped with a prototype electromagnetic railgun.
In the US, a $500m railgun program was suspended by the navy in 2021 due to issues with power and heat dissipation.
Despite carrying out research, the UK is not building its own railgun. However, it is instead developing the DragonFire laser weapon - which can shoot down drones and missiles with a focused beam.
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