Japan hits rail gun milestone in race to counter China’s hypersonic development
The Japanese navy could be one of the first in the world to operate the advanced air defence system after recent sea trial
The Japanese defence ministry released images of the gun this week showing a number of modifications to the prototype’s first experimental firing in October 2023.
The next-generation weapon was also sighted earlier this month on board the JS Asuka in Yokosuka port before setting off for the sea trial.
Observers said Japan could well become one of the first navies to operate the advanced weapon as part of its air defence capabilities.
“Given China’s enormous inventory of ballistic and growing number of hypersonic missiles that can target Japan, Beijing cannot really be surprised at Japan’s determination to build such defensive systems,” he said.
However, former PLA instructor Song Zhongping said that compared with conventional artillery, the electromagnetic gun “uses a new principle to attack targets, and its attack power and accuracy are relatively high”.