The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has unveiled a cutting-edge electromagnetic (EM) railgun. This milestone marks Japan’s foray into advanced weaponry and reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding its territorial waters and land while contributing to the stability of the Indo-Pacific region. The development of this EM railgun is part of a broader research and development initiative undertaken in close collaboration with the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) and other relevant organizations. The Commander of the JMSDF has personally observed the progress of this innovative railgun, which is being developed by the Ground Systems Research Center at the Shimokita Test Center. The latest milestone in this defense development journey came on October 17th, when Japan conducted its first shipboard test firing of an EM railgun.
Crucially, the JMSDF is leveraging its test ship, the JS ASUKA, under the Fleet Research and Development Command, to evaluate and refine this new equipment. JS ASUKA, commissioned in March 1995, has played a pivotal role in conducting numerous tests involving various pieces of equipment before their deployment on JMSDF vessels. Recent endeavors have seen the JMSDF, in collaboration with ATLA, successfully conduct a launch test of a long-range ship-to-air missile and a firing test of the EM railgun at sea. This proactive approach to equipment development underscores the JMSDF’s commitment to enhancing its defense posture, ensuring the protection of Japan’s territorial land and waters, and the well-being of Japanese citizens. Moreover, it serves as a testament to Japan’s dedication to achieving a Free and Open Indo-Pacific in coordination with allied and like-minded navies, contributing to peace and stability in the region.
The test, announced by the MoD’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency, took place aboard the JMSDF’s research ship, JS ASUKA. JS Asuka (ASE-6102) is an experimental ship of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. The vessel was constructed by Sumitomo Heavy Industries of Tokyo, Japan and was launched on 21 June 1994. Asuka was commissioned on 22 March 1995 and since then has conducted performance confirmation tests for integrated navigation systems. This 151-meter vessel, with a full-load displacement of approximately 6,200 tonnes, is serving as a vital platform for the ongoing testing and evaluation of the EM railgun. JS ASUKA, originally commissioned as a survey and research ship in 1995, boasts a destroyer-like profile and is equipped not only with the EM railgun but also an eight-cell vertical launching system (VLS) and sonar systems, further enhancing its capabilities in evaluating anti-submarine warfare systems.
While specific technical details of the EM railgun remain confidential, a three-dimensional diagram provided by the Ministry of Defense reveals the presence of a conductive rail barrel within a trainable turret mount. The muzzle velocity and projectile weight are among the details currently kept under wraps due to security concerns. The Japanese Ministry of Defense has made it clear that the purpose of these evaluations is to determine the practical applications of the EM railgun for future defense requirements. In summary, the introduction of the EM railgun into Japan’s defense arsenal highlights the country’s commitment to staying at the forefront of defense technology, ensuring the security of its territory, and promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region through collaboration with allies and partners. As this promising technology continues to evolve, it remains a symbol of Japan’s dedication to securing a brighter, more secure future.
