Japan Building Railgun-Armed Destroyers with U.S. Support
Tokyo – August 2025 — Japan is accelerating its naval innovation by co-developing a new class of Aegis-equipped destroyers with support from the United States, incorporating railguns, high-powered lasers, and enhanced missile-defence systems to succeed its aging Kongo-class ships.
Replacing the Kongo-class
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) plans to phase out its Kongo-class destroyers—introduced between 1988 and 1998—and replace them with advanced vessels built in cooperation with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency and Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA).
Aegis Integration
The next-gen destroyers will be built around the Aegis Combat System—standard in U.S. missile defence—offering interoperability through real-time threat tracking and coordinated defense.
Railgun Technology Moves Ahead
Japan made headlines after becoming the first country to fire a railgun from a naval vessel, a milestone achieved in October 2023. MW powered, these electromagnetically launched projectiles can reach hypersonic speeds, ideal for intercepting incoming threats.
The test railgun—now mounted on the JS Asuka, a 6,200-ton test ship—features a turreted 20-foot barrel weighing around eight tonnes. It fires 40 mm, 320-gram projectiles at nearly Mach 6.5 (~5,600 mph), showcasing Japan’s capability to overcome earlier U.S. challenges.
Ongoing Development Challenges
Japan’s railgun program, running under 'electromagnetic acceleration systems' since FY2016, has achieved a stable muzzle velocity exceeding 2,000 m/s and sustained fire of 120 rounds without significant barrel erosion.
Despite these successes, challenges remain—such as managing power requirements, heat dissipation, barrel wear, and targeting accuracy at extreme speeds. Japan continues technical exchanges not only with the U.S., but also with France and Germany to address these hurdles.
Looking Ahead: 13DDX and Beyond
The new 13DDX destroyer program is expected to incorporate railguns, laser systems, and multifunction radars—positioning Japan at the cutting edge of naval defense technology.
This project strengthens U.S.–Japan defense collaboration, mirroring broader strategic initiatives like AUKUS. Experts suggest that successful deployment could eventually influence U.S. naval design.
Why It Matters
Technological edge: By advancing railgun and laser systems, Japan could effectively counter emerging threats like hypersonic missiles.
Defence diplomacy: The program underscores deepening interoperability and trust between the U.S. and Japan amid regional security challenges.
Strategic innovation: Should these ships become operational, it would mark a transformative shift in modern naval warfare technology.
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