As one might expect, Tokyo’s railgun is far cheaper than the Pentagon’s similar project.
America’s leadership thinks that the United States military, in its current form, is prepared to fight—and win—the next world war. Some in Washington believe this is a byproduct of years of spending vast sums of taxpayer wealth on defense.
Unfortunately, the return on that so-called investment has been fleeting. The system has been flashing red, trying to warn us that we are not prepared for what may soon be coming. Moreover, America’s lack of preparation for a major conflict has not gone unnoticed in the capitals and caves where its enemies dwell—and it has informed their strategic choices.
The Pentagon Keeps Dropping the Ball—and Expecting More
From the failures in Iraq and Afghanistan, to the collapse of America’s supply chains during COVID-19, to the knock-on effects on the U.S. defense industrial base—exacerbated by the Ukraine War and the ongoing crisis in the Middle East—the Pentagon has over-promised and under-delivered on its weapons systems time after time after time. And on the rare occasion that it develops something truly groundbreaking or innovative, it often fails to recognize it.
For example, in 2021, the U.S. Navy discontinued its massive research and development program for a gun that would fire a metal projectile via electromagnetic fields—better known as a “railgun.” When the Navy canceled the project, they had already invested $500 million. With its termination, all resources were directed into other programs—projects that were in many cases costlier and less effective than what the railgun program promised.
Of course, the bean counters at the Pentagon weren’t worried. They could just build another $13 billion aircraft carrier or a sixth-generation warplane, systems that were in their view proven to work (and to run over budget, et cetera). Independent observers, on the other hand, assert that these systems are either obsolete or not worth the expense. Something like a railgun, however, is very relevant to the contested world commons in which the Navy increasingly finds itself operating.
But not to worry. If America’s well-funded contractors could not design such a system, no other country could (though one observes that China is heavily invested in a similar project). Right?
Japan Surprises America with a Working Railgun
It turns out that the Japanese could. And, as one might expect, Tokyo’s railgun is far cheaper than the Pentagon’s similar project. Thank goodness that Japan is an ally. At the same time, shame on the Pentagon for consuming so many tax dollars and producing nothing that will enhance security for the American people.
Japan’s railgun, like the U.S. Navy’s, is designed to be ship-mounted. The system is meant to overcome China’s numerical missile advantages. A hit-to-kill projectile is launched at hypersonic speeds against incoming Chinese missile swarms.
The projectiles achieve hypersonic speeds because the railgun itself fires them using electromagnetic energy. Once subjected to that EM energy, the projectiles blast away from the ship they are defending at extraordinary speeds.
The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Forces (JMSDF) is deploying the prototype of this railgun aboard their warship Asuka for real-world testing. Japan first tested their railgun in October 2023. During that test, its railgun fired up to 120 rounds, with those rounds popping off at 2,000 meters per second (MPS)—or slightly below Mach 6.
Japan’s Defense Industry Levels Up
In the next round of tests, the JMSDF wants to build off the successes of the first round of tests in 2023. There is further discussion about enhancing the railgun for land-based deployment to further expand Japan’s air defense capabilities.
As always, the problem comes down to power. The railgun is a giant leap forward. If the Japanese can rapidly develop their prototypes into usable weapons at scale, Tokyo could rest easy—because these railguns could be the solution needed to augment their insufficient traditional air defenses.
And if the Pentagon were serious about developing good capabilities that could actually help to keep America safer, they would throw some of that tax money they’ve been wasting at the Japanese and help them scale up their railgun.
After all, we’re going to need these railguns as much—if not more—as the Japanese are. Imagine the prospects of integrating the railgun into President Trump’s proposed Golden Dome national missile defense shield.
As always, however, time is not on the side of the Western powers. China has mass produced a robust arsenal of missiles, hypersonic weapons, and drone swarms that could eventually wear down the limited conventional air defenses of Western powers, such as they are.
About the Author: Brandon J. Weichert
Brandon J. Weichert, a Senior National Security Editor at The National Interest as well as a contributor at Popular Mechanics, who consults regularly with various government institutions and private organizations on geopolitical issues. Weichert’s writings have appeared in multiple publications, including the Washington Times, National Review, The American Spectator, MSN, the Asia Times, and countless others. His books include Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His newest book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine is available for purchase wherever books are sold. He can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.
Image: Wikimedia Commons.
