At a time when control of Pacific sea lanes is contested, Japan is positioning its hypersonic electromagnetic railgun development as a strategic centerpiece, aiming to deter Chinese naval threats and shift the regional balance of power.

Tokyo’s latest demonstration, shown by state-run ATLA, displays a prototype railgun firing hypersonic rounds at a moving ship. As the projectile surged forward, the deck shuddered slightly under the silent electromagnetic pulse, while nearby crew members steadied themselves, their expressions a mix of awe and anticipation.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] 4 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) (5 children)

Didn’t I recently read a post about the practical limitations of railguns, which concluded that lasers are better?

  • source
  • hideshow 5 child comments
  • [–] 3 points 11 months ago

    For hitting drones and artillery shells? Almost certainly lasers win.

    For hitting ships? Railguns, if the problems with the rails getting festroyed after a few shots can be fixed. The Japanese claim 200 shots per barrel. Whether that means just the rails or whole barrel is unclear.

  • source
  • parent