New images reveal Japan’s progress in the development of an electromagnetic canon (Railgun), mounted on the JS Asuka test vessel. The first test shots at sea are expected later this month.
The prototype, located in a tower on the ship’s deck, is similar to the model that has been tested on land by the procurement, technology and logistics agency (Atla) in recent years. While Japan is making progress with the technology, the United States has put its Railgun projects on ice over the past decade due to technical challenges such as high energy consumption and rapid wear and tear on races.
The Japanese Railgun has already shown the ability to shoot projectiles in Mach 6.5 (about 7,000 km/h), with the aim of improving its durability and reducing energy demand.
The installation at Asuka makes it possible to conduct practical tests without having to integrate the system into an operational warship, which would require major modifications. Japanese authorities have already signaled plans to equip future destroyers, such as the 13DDX class, with this technology-which can revolutionize air defense and missile defense thanks to high speed and low cost per shot.
At the same time, other great powers also invest in the technology: China tested a Maritim Railgun in 2018, and Turkey develops its own projects. The United States has completed its program, but has adapted hypersonic projectiles to conventional cannons.
Japan is now seeking cooperation with France and Germany to speed up developments, indicating that Railguns may become an operational reality over the coming years. The results of the Asuka tests are expected to provide new insights in the future of this groundbreaking weapon.
Source: The War Zone | Photo: x @defencealerts | This content was created with the help of KI and reviewed by the editorial staff
Mach 7.2 Railgun installed on #Japan’s JS Asuka pic.twitter.com/5KxzbWkMQp
— IDU (@defencealerts) July 2, 2025
