Japan Collaborates with France and Germany on Advanced Railgun Technology

Japan's defense acquisition organization signs an agreement with France and Germany to advance railgun technology amid growing geopolitical tensions.

Japan’s defense acquisition organization has entered into a cooperation agreement with France and Germany to accelerate the development of railgun technology. This collaboration, outlined in the "Implementation Guidelines for Railgun Technology Cooperation," aims to respond to the increasing geopolitical tensions in Europe and East Asia.

Japan's Railgun Development

Japan has been working on railgun technology since 2016. Last year, the country tested its first railgun designed to counter hypersonic weapons. In 2022, Japan allocated 6.5 billion yen (approximately $56 million) to further develop this weapon, targeting deployment by the end of this decade.

France and Germany's Role

France and Germany are leading the four-nation PILUM railgun project. This initiative focuses on developing an electromagnetic railgun capable of launching hypervelocity projectiles at speeds over 11,000 kilometers per hour (6,700 miles per hour) and reaching distances up to 200 kilometers (124 miles). The collaboration with Japan is expected to bring valuable insights and advancements to both projects.

Insights from the US Navy

Earlier this year, Japanese defense officials visited the United States to learn from the US Navy's experience with railgun technology. The US military had initiated two railgun projects but canceled them due to financial and feasibility issues. One of these projects, led by BAE Systems, successfully developed a 32-megajoule railgun in a laboratory setting before its termination in 2021.

The Technology Behind Railguns

Railguns use electromagnetic forces to propel projectiles at extremely high speeds, reaching up to Mach seven. This high velocity allows for the interception of targets more effectively than conventional munitions. However, railguns face significant technical challenges, such as the need for high operating power and susceptibility to overheating. The extreme forces involved can also cause the railgun to self-destruct over time.

Future Prospects

Experts believe that if the technical issues of railguns can be resolved, the technology could have wide-ranging applications, including missile defense and precision strikes. The cost per shot of a railgun is significantly lower than that of traditional missiles, which could provide a strategic advantage in future conflicts.

Mark Lewis of the National Defense Industrial Association’s Emerging Technologies Institute notes that railguns exert extreme electromagnetic forces that impact their own structure, leading to potential self-destruction. Peter W. Singer, a strategist at the New America think tank, adds that the successful resolution of technical challenges would make railguns a game-changer in military technology due to their speed, range, and cost-efficiency.

In conclusion, the cooperation between Japan, France, and Germany represents a significant step forward in the development of railgun technology. This partnership aims to overcome current challenges and harness the potential of railguns for future defense applications.