DraftRailgun Installed On Japanese Warship
Japan is making significant progress in developing an operational naval electromagnetic railgun, with recent images showing ongoing work on a prototype installed aboard the test warship JS Asuka. At-sea testing was expected between June and late July 2025. Unlike the U.S. Navy, which shelved its railgun program due to technical challenges, Japan continues to invest in the technology, aiming for integration on future destroyers like the 13DDX. The railgun, developed by Japan’s ATLA, can fire projectiles at hypersonic speeds and is designed to counter advanced threats such as hypersonic missiles. Challenges remain, particularly regarding power requirements, system size, and barrel durability. Japan is also collaborating internationally, including with the U.S., France, and Germany, while keeping a close eye on Chinese and Turkish railgun advancements.