Japan creates the world’s first electromagnetic cannon (Photo: Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force)
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force has released images of the installation of the world’s first electromagnetic cannon, developed for one of the country’s military ships.
This innovative weapon uses kinetic energy to launch projectiles at hypersonic speeds, making it an efficient alternative to guided missiles.
The development of the cannon began in 2016, but the first tests only started in 2022. One of the main challenges was ensuring the speed and stability of the projectiles, as well as preventing wear on the barrels.
These challenges were the main reasons why the United States had to halt and abandon similar projects, despite a staggering $500 million investment from the White House.
The Japanese government has not disclosed the official costs of the project. Although the weapon has been installed on the ship, it will undergo further testing in the future.
Photo and video: Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
