New images reveal Japan’s progress in developing an electromagnetic railgun mounted on the test ship JS Asuka, with the first live-fire trials at sea expected later this month.
The prototype, installed in a turret on the ship’s deck, is similar to the model tested on land by the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) in recent years. While Japan advances in this technology, the U.S. abandoned its railgun projects in the past decade due to technical challenges, such as high energy consumption and rapid barrel wear.
The Japanese railgun has already demonstrated the ability to fire projectiles at Mach 6.5 (about 7,000 km/h), with ongoing efforts to improve barrel durability and reduce energy demands.
The installation on the Asuka allows for practical testing without the need 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 those in the 13DDX class, with this technology, which could revolutionize air and missile defense due to its high velocity and low cost per shot.
Meanwhile, other powers are also investing in the technology: China tested a naval railgun in 2018, and Turkey is developing its own projects. The U.S., despite canceling its program, has adapted hypersonic projectiles for use in conventional cannons.
Japan, for its part, is seeking partnerships with France and Germany to accelerate development, indicating that railguns may become an operational reality in the coming years. Results from the tests on the Asuka are expected to provide new insights into the future of this groundbreaking weapon.
Source: The War Zone | Photo: X @defencealerts | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
Mach 7.2 Railgun installed on #Japan’s JS Asuka pic.twitter.com/5KxzbWkMQp
— IDU (@defencealerts) July 2, 2025
