Japan launched a projectile from a rail cannon at a ship, the first successful shot in the world

Japan, not the USA, has made a breakthrough

The United States began developing railguns many years ago, but eventually curtailed the program due to too much technical complexity and energy consumption. And now a breakthrough has happened where it was not expected.: Japan has announced that its warship has successfully hit a target ship with a marine rail cannon for the first time in the world. This is not a test at the test site, but a full-fledged test in real conditions.

Tokyo is not just catching up, it is overtaking.

How does a rail gun work on a ship

The railgun uses electromagnetic force, not gunpowder, to accelerate the projectile to hypersonic speeds — more than Mach 5. Two parallel rails pass a powerful current, creating a magnetic field that literally shoots the projectile forward. No explosions, no gases, just speed and kinetic energy.

Hitting a ship with such a projectile is comparable to hitting a meteorite: it penetrates armor, causes internal destruction, without requiring explosives.

Why did the United States curtail the program, but Japan did not

The US Navy had ambitious plans, but ran into problems: the guns wore out quickly, required a huge amount of energy, and the service life of the barrels was too short. As a result, the project was suspended.

Japan went the other way. Using advanced materials, compact capacitors, and expertise in electronics, Japanese engineers have managed to create a system that is smaller, consumes energy more efficiently, and lasts longer. The development is being carried out with the participation of the MOD Defense Agency and the Self-Defense Forces (JGSDF).

What does this mean for the future of artillery

If Japan brings the system to mass production, it will change the rules of the game. A railgun is cheaper than missiles, almost inexhaustible (shells can be stored like ordinary blanks), and very fast. It can be used against drones, boats, ships, and even ballistic targets.

This is not fiction. This is the beginning of a new era — from gunpowder to electromagnetism.

Sources

1. Invoen.ru — JS Asuka rail-gun trials: test details & technical specs
2. Gazeta.ru — World’s first sea trial of a rail-gun, photos & video
3. Kommersant — firing results & JMSDF statements
4. Hi-Tech.mail.ru — prototype rail-gun mounted on test ship JS Asuka
5. Naked Science — photos & video of the rail-gun firing from JS Asuka

The Chinese "Sea Monster": an ekranoplane with propellers instead of jet engines

What is an ekranoplane and how does it fly over water?

Recent images have revealed details of a strange flying vessel that China is testing called the Bohai Sea Monster. This is an ekranoplane — a machine that is not quite an airplane and not quite a ship. It flies at a height of several meters above the water, using the so-called "screen effect": an air cushion between the wing and the surface of the water provides additional lift. Thanks to this, it can carry a large load and fly fast, using almost no fuel.

Such devices have long been of interest to the military — they are fast, elusive to radar and can deliver equipment directly to the shore.

Propellers, not jet engines — why so?

The main thing that catches your eye is that instead of jet engines, there are ordinary propellers. Against the background of hypersonic missiles and fighter jets, it looks like a step back. But in fact, it's a reasonable compromise.

Screw engines are cheaper, easier to maintain, and more economical. Supersonic sound is not necessary for a car that flies low and does not aim at the stratosphere. The main thing is reliability and the ability to work from coastal bases. In addition, propellers make less noise at low altitudes, which is useful for stealth.

Soviet ideas in Chinese execution

China was clearly inspired by the Soviet "Killer Whales" and "Harriers" — giant ekranoplanes that the USSR developed in the 60-80s. Only now have technologies stepped forward: modern materials, electronics, navigation. China can do what Moscow failed to do then — create a really combat-ready and controllable device.

If the ekranoplanes did not go into production in the Soviet Union, China can bring the matter to an end.

Why would China need such a "monster" — a military or amphibious ship-plane

There are two scenarios. The first one is amphibious. Imagine: a car starts from a base on the coast of Bohai Bay, which in a couple of hours will deliver a company of soldiers or an armored personnel carrier directly to the island without entering the port. The second is shock: armed with cruise missiles, it can attack ships in the A2AD zone while remaining under radar.

In any case, this is not just a technology demonstration. This is an attempt to gain an advantage in the Middle Sea, where every kilometer and second is crucial.

Sources

1. SecurityLab — China’s new ekranoplan: features, military use and coastal strategy
2. Rossiyskaya Gazeta — “Bohai Monster”: design details and amphibious potential
3. Radio Azattyk — Comparison with Soviet “Caspian Monster” and expert views on military missions
4. Realnoe Vremya — High-res photos, structural analysis vs. Soviet craft
5. Armiya.az — “Sea Monster of Bohai”: ambitious jet-powered ekranoplan for naval use
6. The War Zone via Naked Science — First full image of China’s ground-effect vehicle
7. InoSMI / SCMP — China’s progress in Soviet-derived ekranoplan technology

Turkey launches mass production of hypersonic missile in 2026, ambitions to reach the cutting edge

Roketsan has announced the launch of mass production

At a recent event in the defense industry, the Turkish concern Roketsan officially announced that mass production of a new hypersonic missile will begin in 2026. This is not just an announcement, but Ankara's bid for a place in the club of countries capable of creating and using one of the most sophisticated weapons of the 21st century.

Roketsan, already known for its tactical missiles and ATGMs, is now betting on super-speed.

What is known about the Turkish hypersonic missile

Details are still scarce. The exact speed, range, and engine type have not been officially disclosed. But according to indirect data and statements by experts, we are talking about a rocket capable of reaching speeds of Mach 5 and above — that is, a real hypersonic system.

It is expected that it will use a combined power plant: a solid-fuel accelerator at launch and, possibly, a ramjet engine at the launch site. The goal is to defeat both land and sea targets with minimal reaction time.

Why 2026 is not just a date, but a challenge

2026 is an ambitious deadline. For a country that was dependent on imports in the field of armaments 15 years ago, to enter mass production of hypersonic weapons in such a time is a giant leap. This requires not only engineering solutions, but also its own base of materials science, aerodynamics, control systems and testing infrastructure.

Turkey is actively building landfills, attracting scientists, and investing in research and development. And if the deadlines are met, it will become a symbol of its technological rise.

Turkey in the race for speed

China, Russia, and the United States are currently leading the hypersonic race. India and France are on the way. Turkey is not an obvious participant, but its strategy is clear.: become independent from suppliers and create weapons that can penetrate modern air defense systems.

A hypersonic missile is not just a strike force. It is a deterrent tool. And its appearance will change the balance of power in the region — from the Mediterranean to the Middle East.

Sources

1. BusinessMir.kz — specifications and production plans for Tayfun Block-4
2. RBC — unveiling of the missile at IDEF 2025
3. Hi-Tech Mail.ru — technical overview and future applications
4. Lenta.ru — presentation and strategic importance for Turkey
5. AiF Moskva — details on Turkey’s first hypersonic missile
6. Kommersant — official Roketsan statement and missile details
7. RTVI — analysis of Tayfun Block-4’s impact on regional power balance

Satellite images reveal new Chinese weapon ahead of military parade: focus on anti-ship missiles

The parade as a demonstration of technological superiority

Ahead of a major military parade in Beijing, satellite imagery has provided the first visual evidence of the deployment of a new generation of Chinese weapons. Notable systems include several types of anti—ship missiles, including modifications with improved performance. Their demonstration at the parade will not only be a show of inner strength, but also a clear signal to external strategic players.

China continues to use the parades as a platform for the presentation of advanced military technologies, demonstrating progress in the modernization of the PLA Armed Forces.

New anti-ship missiles: range and power

The images indicate the presence of missiles similar to the upgraded versions of the DF-21D and DF-26B, the so—called "aircraft carrier killers." These systems have supersonic or hypersonic speeds, maneuverable warheads, and the ability to hit moving targets at sea.

It is reported that the range of some of them reaches 4,000-5,000 km, which allows them to cover key areas in the Pacific Ocean, including possible positions of US Navy strike groups. The emergence of new variants with improved stealth and guidance systems indicates constant modernization.

The goal is to deter the US Navy in the Pacific Ocean

Analysts note that the characteristics of the new missiles indicate their focus on countering American aircraft carriers and other large ships. This fits into China's overall strategy to create "access restriction and breakout prevention" (A2AD) zones in the South China and East China Seas.

The deployment of such systems enhances Beijing's ability to control sea routes and reduce the operational freedom of the US Navy in the region.

A signal to strategic rivals

The display of new missiles at the parade is not just a demonstration of military power, but an element of strategic communication. He stresses China's willingness to defend its interests and its ability to counter the most advanced military platforms.

Such actions increase tensions in the region, but at the same time encourage a review of tactics and technologies on the part of the United States and its allies.

South Korea has started developing a hypersonic missile for fighter jets

South Korea has officially confirmed the start of work on a new hypersonic air-launched ballistic missile. This project is designed to significantly enhance the strike capabilities of the country's aviation, especially in the face of growing regional threats.

According to available information, the missile under development will be designed to be installed on board the Russian multipurpose fighter KF-21 Boramae. It is planned that two such missile systems will be integrated into one aircraft, which will make it a powerful platform for high-precision strikes at long distances.

The technical basis for the new missile could be a series of intermediate-range tactical missile systems (KTSSM) already in service. However, unlike the basic models, the new rocket will have hypersonic characteristics and the ability to launch from the air, which makes it much more complex and efficient.

The weapon concept resembles existing foreign analogues, such as the Israeli Air LORA and ROCKS systems, as well as the American Mako hypersonic missile, which is being developed for similar tasks. This indicates South Korea's desire to reach the level of advanced technologies in the field of high-speed weapons.

The development is at an early stage, but its successful implementation will strengthen the country's strategic defense capability and expand the Air Force's ability to respond quickly to threats.

Why DARPA considers stealth technology obsolete in future wars

According to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the era of stealth technology dominance is coming to an end. As stated by DARPA Deputy Director Rob McHenry at the Mitchell Institute webinar on June 25, 2025, the rapid development of quantum sensors and other technologies is radically changing the landscape of military confrontation.

The key reasons for the obsolescence of stealth technologies

1. Breakthrough in sensor technology 

   Quantum sensors are capable of detecting the slightest gravitational anomalies from hidden objects, magnetic field distortions, and micro-vibrations that remain invisible to traditional radars. This makes even the most advanced stealth systems vulnerable.

2. Changing priorities in the development of weapons 

   DARPA is focusing on new features such as high speed (including hypersonic systems), active defense (electronic warfare, laser interception systems), and maneuverability using artificial intelligence to evade threats.

3. Economic inefficiency 

   The cost of developing and maintaining stealth capabilities is becoming disproportionately high against the background of the availability of modern sensor technologies for a wide range of countries.

 Future alternatives to stealth technologies

Instead of traditional stealth, the future belongs to quantum radars that can detect almost any hidden object, hypersonic missiles that shorten the enemy's reaction time, and laser systems for intercepting missiles and drones. In addition, swarm drones capable of carrying out massive and intelligent attacks are actively developing. These technologies provide more flexible and effective ways of conducting combat operations than passive evasion.

Although DARPA predicts a decrease in the importance of stealth technologies, their complete disappearance is unlikely in the next 15-20 years. Next-generation projects such as the B-21 Raider and NGAD continue to combine stealth with other advanced technologies. However, the focus is shifting to multispectral camouflage, dynamic adaptation to real-time threats, and electronic warfare as the main form of protection.

As Rob McHenry noted, "The future will be determined not by stealth, but by the ability to detect faster, hit more accurately, and defend more effectively." This position reflects a fundamental shift in military strategy — from passive avoidance to active dominance in the electromagnetic spectrum and cyberspace.

Iran launches Fattah-1 hypersonic missile at Israel: a new era in ballistic technology

 

Fattah-1

Amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, Tehran has demonstrated a new achievement of its defense industry — the Fattah-1 hypersonic missile, fired directly at Israeli territory. This event was an important step in the development of Iranian military technology and raised concerns among a number of countries, especially those with experience in dealing with regional threats.

The Fattah-1 missile is a medium-range hypersonic weapon designed specifically to overcome modern missile defense systems such as the Israeli Iron Dome and Arrow. Its length is 12 meters, and the maximum flight range is up to 1400 kilometers, which allows it to hit targets at a considerable distance from the territory of Iran.

A special feature of the Fattah-1 is its equipment with a hypersonic gliding warhead (HGV) capable of speeds up to 17,900 km/h — almost  Mach 15. Such speed and maneuverability make intercepting a missile an extremely difficult task even for the most advanced missile defense systems.

The rocket is powered by a single-stage solid-fuel engine, which ensures rapid launch readiness and reduces dependence on complex infrastructure. A warhead weighing 200 kg of explosives is installed on board, which can be adapted to various types of targets, from stationary objects to mobile strategic hubs.

The telling moment was not only the test itself or the use of the system, but also the fact that Iran made a statement about its ability to bypass the most advanced air and missile defense technologies. This raises new questions for the international community regarding the effectiveness of current security systems and the possible proliferation of hypersonic technologies.

Although experts still disagree about the actual combat effectiveness of the Fattah-1, the very fact of its use indicates that hypersonic weapons are becoming an increasingly accessible and dangerous element of the global military landscape.