On October 17, Japan achieved a historic milestone in the realm of defense technology, marking the first time any nation has managed to launch a railgun from an offshore platform. This remarkable feat was accomplished through a collaborative effort between the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and the Acquisition Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA), a division of the Japanese Ministry of Defense. Unlike traditional railgun configurations mounted on ships, Japan is pioneering the use of railguns on both land and at sea, ushering in an unprecedented era of versatility and innovation in the field.
A railgun, a cutting-edge electromagnetic weapon capable of propelling projectiles at astonishing speeds, has the potential to target a range of objects, from ships to missiles and aircraft, thanks to its remarkable velocities, reaching approximately Mach 7. Japan’s objective in this venture is to integrate railgun technology with long-range missiles, thus significantly enhancing its capacity to effectively intercept aerial threats.
The utilization of railguns offers a promising solution for countering a range of aerial threats at sea, including the interception of incoming hypersonic cruise missiles and potentially even hypersonic ballistic missiles. As Japan confronts evolving security challenges in the region, the incorporation of railguns into its defense strategy represents a pivotal step toward safeguarding its national interests.
Japan’s journey in developing maritime electromagnetic railguns has been marked by continuous innovation and improvement. The journey began modestly with a 16mm railgun project initiated by the agency’s Ground Systems Research Centre (GSRC) in 1990, which has since evolved significantly. In 2016, ATLA embarked on a mission to create a prototype with anti-air and anti-missile capabilities, demonstrating Japan’s unwavering commitment to staying at the forefront of defense technology to address emerging threats and challenges.
According to a previous report published in Shephard Media, the ATLA railgun currently utilizes five megajoules (MJ) of charge energy, propelling projectiles at speeds of around 2,230m/s (Mach 6.5). The agency envisions equipping it with 20 MJ of charge energy, further amplifying its capabilities, making it a formidable weapon.
Previously, Japan had planned to incorporate the Aegis Ashore land-based system into its missile defense arsenal. However, this plan was abandoned in 2020. The current strategy aims to integrate railgun interceptors into the existing missile defense system, offering flexibility in terms of interceptor speed based on the approach of incoming missiles. Additionally, railguns are considered somewhat stealthy due to the compact size of their projectiles, adding an element of unpredictability to Japan’s missile defense strategy.
The new railgun system is anticipated to be ready for deployment in the second half of the 2020s, providing Japan with multiple intercept capabilities alongside its long-range missiles. This achievement underscores Japan’s commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities in response to the growing regional security threats.