Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) has been developing an electromagnetic railgun, and it’s been tested aboard the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) test ship JS Asuka. This prototype, weighing 8 tons with a 6-meter barrel, achieved a muzzle velocity of around 2,230–2,500 meters per second (Mach 6.5–7.2) using 5 megajoules (MJ) of energy.
ATLA plans to boost the system to 20 MJ for better results. It shoots 320-gram, 40mm projectiles, like armor-piercing ones and possibly airburst rounds for taking down aircraft. Japan wants the barrel to last for 120 shots and reach a speed of at least 2,000 m/s. They’ve worked hard to reduce barrel damage and keep projectiles steady at super-fast hypersonic speeds, fixing issues that hurt other programs.
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Made to stop hypersonic missiles, drones, and surface dangers, the railgun can hold lots of rounds and uses cheaper ammo than missiles. It’s planned for use on ships (like the future 13DDX destroyers) and on land for things like coastal defense or firing back at enemy artillery.
A big goal is shrinking the power system, aiming to cut the charger size by half by 2027 and reduce capacitor size by 90% over ten years. The 2023 test needed four big containers (one for charging, three for a 5 MJ capacitor bank), highlighting the current bulk. Japan’s program is moving forward with a clear plan through 2026 to build a full gun system, including nonstop shooting and fire control.
In preparation for future combat, the Self Defense Fleet promotes research, development and earlier introduction of equipment necessary for the JMSDF in close collaboration with the ATLA and other organizations, as well as continues to build up its defense posture to protect Japanese citizens and the territorial waters,” said the JMSDF.
[Source]
