Japan’s ship-mounted rail gun hits long-range target in key test

Japan said its ship-mounted electromagnetic rail gun has successfully hit a target vessel during a recent test, a key step towards the future deployment of the next-generation weapon capable of shooting projectiles at an extremely high speed.

The Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency posted on social media earlier this month that a rail gun installed on the Maritime Self-Defence Force test ship Asuka “succeeded in long-range shooting” at a target ship. The post also included four photos of the vessel and weapon.

An official from the Japanese defence ministry’s procurement arm said the live-fire tests were conducted from early June to early July in the Pacific Ocean off Chiba prefecture, east of Tokyo, and in waters near Hachijo Island, about 300km (186 miles) south of the capital.

The agency added that further details will be released at a symposium to be held in Tokyo in November.

In October 2023, the agency announced that it had carried out “the world’s first-ever maritime firing test of a rail gun” and said it would aim to put the cutting-edge weapons to “early practical use” to defend Japanese vessels “from threats in the air and at sea”.

The most powerful gun in the world is being tested in China

The most powerful gun in the world is being tested in China

Rail guns can launch projectiles at a much faster speed than conventional weapons, giving them greater penetration power and range. They are considered a potential tool to be used in the defence of Japan, countering China’s maritime assertiveness and North Korea’s nuclear and missile programmes.