Japan successfully carried out the first firing of a ship-mounted electromagnetic cannon at a target vessel at sea.
The test was conducted by the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) in cooperation with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), using the test ship Asuka.
Released images show the moment of firing and the weapon’s control system, with more detailed results to be presented at a technology symposium in November in Tokyo.
The railgun uses electrical energy to launch projectiles at hypersonic speeds, eliminating the need for gunpowder. In previous tests, the system reached nearly Mach 7, surpassing the performance of conventional artillery, such as tank cannons. In addition to high speed, the weapon promises continuous firing at lower costs than interceptor missiles, making it an attractive alternative against modern threats such as hypersonic missiles developed by China, North Korea, and Russia.
Despite the progress, the project faces challenges, mainly regarding the huge energy demand and the need for miniaturization for practical application on ships. Nevertheless, Tokyo is betting on the development of advanced military technologies, including railguns, high-power microwave weapons, and lasers, to strengthen its missile defense and reduce interception costs in scenarios with multiple simultaneous attacks.
Source: Naval News | Photo: X @atla_kouhou_en | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
#ATLA conducted the Ship-board #Railgun Shooting Test from June to early July this year with the support of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. It’s the first time that a ship-mounted railgun was successfully fired at a real ship.#Ground_Systems_Research_Center #JMSDF #Asuka pic.twitter.com/XuULOOTBgO
— Acquisition Technology & Logistics Agency (@atla_kouhou_en) September 10, 2025
