Overview

• The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has deployed an advanced railgun prototype aboard the test ship JS Asuka, achieving hypersonic muzzle velocities of approximately 2,000 meters per second.
• The railgun, developed since 2016 by ATLA and GSRC with industrial support from Japan Steel Works, represents a significant step forward in electromagnetic weaponry.
• The system can fire up to 120 rounds with stability and aims to address challenges like missile saturation and high per-round costs of traditional interceptors.
• Current efforts focus on integrating a miniaturized power supply and tailored fire-control system to enable operational deployment by fiscal year 2026.
• Japan’s program contrasts with the U.S. Navy’s halted railgun project, highlighting Japan’s commitment to advancing electromagnetic weapon technology for layered defense.