We are talking about a technology called "railgun", which accelerates the projectile due to a magnetic field
TOKYO, January 5. /tass/. The Japanese Defense Ministry intends to develop electromagnetic guns capable of countering hypersonic missiles. This was reported on Wednesday by the Nikkei newspaper.
We are talking about a technology called "railgun", which accelerates the projectile due to a magnetic field. In this case, the starting speed, according to calculations, can be about 2,300 m/ s, which is 600 m/ s higher compared to conventional launchers. This speed is also higher than that of hypersonic missiles, which makes electromagnetic guns a fairly effective means of defense.
Nevertheless, railguns are not officially used in any country now. When creating them, it is necessary to take into account a number of parameters, in particular, it is necessary to consider the location of the guides so that the magnetic field inside the installation becomes strong, and choose a durable metal that easily conducts electricity.
Japan expects to complete the development of the electromagnetic cannon in the second half of this decade. By 2030, this type of weapon should strengthen the country's current missile defense system. In addition, Tokyo also expects to adopt long-range missiles and create a network of reconnaissance satellites capable of recording the moment of launch and the flight path of hypersonic missiles.
Over the past few years, Japan has been increasing defense spending, which has attracted criticism from neighboring countries. In the next fiscal year (starting in April 2022), allocations for these purposes, according to the draft state budget, will increase by about 50 billion yen compared to the current year and will amount to 5.37 trillion yen ($46.9 billion at the current exchange rate), which will be a record high.
Moreover, according to the Nikkei, the Japanese government intends to increase the level of spending for these purposes to a record 30 trillion yen ($262.8 billion) within the framework of the next medium-term defense development plan for the period from 2023 to 2027. Compared to the current five-year plan, spending should grow by about 10% at the rate of 6 trillion yen per year.