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

Phalanx Robot Cannon: 4,500 rounds per minute to protect US ships

The last line of defense on deck

Every major US Navy ship has one special guardian on board — not a sailor, not a radar, but a robot cannon. This is the MK 15 Phalanx melee system. Her task is a last—ditch attempt to stop something that has already broken through: an anti-ship missile, a drone or an aircraft that has slipped through all the external lines of defense. If it doesn't work, the body will be hit.

Phalanx is not just a turret. It is an autonomous robot that sees, thinks and shoots by itself.

How does an autonomous cannon that shoots faster than a human work?

Imagine: a rocket is flying at supersonic speed, just a couple of kilometers from the ship. Seconds to impact. The person will not have time to react. But Phalanx is.

The system is equipped with its own radar, which continuously scans the sky. As soon as it notices the target, it calculates the trajectory itself, turns around and opens fire from a 20-mm six-barrel Gatling cannon. The tempo is 4,500 rounds per minute. The target is covered by a barrage of projectiles that explode nearby, knocking down a rocket or setting it on fire.

All this happens without the participation of the crew — in a split second.

Raytheon upgrades the system for $205 million

The Pentagon has just awarded defense giant Raytheon a $205 million contract. This money will be used to upgrade and repair existing Phalanx systems. The work includes refurbishment, major repairs and the supply of related equipment. It is planned to complete everything by January 2029.

It's not just THAT. This is a confirmation: despite all the new lasers and rockets, Phalanx remains a reliable and necessary system.

Why is artillery needed even in the age of rockets?

High-tech threats require high-tech responses. But sometimes the simplest is the most effective. The cannon hits the area, does not depend on electronic interference and does not need complex guidance systems. She works when everything else is running out of time.

That is why, decades after its creation, Phalanx still stands at its combat post — like a steel guard who does not blink or get tired.

Sources

1. CHVVAKUSH — MK 15 Phalanx CIWS detailed specs and history
2. Integral Russia — Phalanx CIWS US Navy last line defense
3. Wikipedia (Russian) — MK 15 Phalanx CIWS overview

USA unveils AIRCAT Bengal MC— the most advanced autonomous warship with a payload capacity of 44 tons

The presentation of the AIRCAT Bengal MC, the world's most modern autonomous naval vessel, which promises to radically change the perception of the capabilities of military fleets, took place in the United States. This multipurpose ekranoplane, created in collaboration with the American company Eureka Naval Craft and Australian experts on maritime autonomy, stands out for its unique payload capacity of 44 tons and advanced missile launch systems.

Main Features of the AIRCAT Bengal MC

- Revolutionary payload capacity: The ability to carry up to 44 tons of weapons and equipment makes the Bengal MC one of the most powerful autonomous warships in the world.

- Multifunctional: The vessel can perform a wide range of tasks, from reconnaissance and patrolling to launching strikes using modern missile systems.

- Ekranoplane: Thanks to the design of the ekranoplane, the vessel can effectively move at low altitude above the water, combining the speed of the aircraft and the stability of the ship.

- Autonomy and Crew: The Bengal MC is capable of operating both fully autonomous and crewed, providing maximum flexibility in a variety of combat scenarios.

- Advanced weapons systems: Integrated missile launch systems allow precision strikes against sea and land targets with high accuracy.

Importance for naval forces

- New tactical capabilities: The AIRCAT Bengal MC opens up new horizons in the strategic application of autonomous vessels, allowing operations to be carried out with lower risks to personnel.

- Cost-effectiveness: Autonomy reduces the cost of operation and maintenance, and high payload increases combat potential.

- Innovation in maritime autonomy: The joint development of the United States and Australia demonstrates the growing role of international cooperation in the field of military technology.

The AIRCAT Bengal MC can become the basis for the creation of a whole class of autonomous combat vessels capable of changing the balance of power in naval theaters of military operations. Its implementation promises to increase the mobility, striking power and survival of naval forces in modern conflicts.

Satellite images have revealed the movement of a damaged North Korean warship to a dry dock near the border with Russia

Satellite images taken on Sunday by Maxar Technologies showed that the 5,000-ton North Korean destroyer, which does not yet have an official name, was moved to a dry dock in the port of Rajin. This port is located in the Rason Special Economic Zone in northeastern North Korea, near its small border with Russia.

Moving the ship to a dry dock indicates that repair or restoration work has been carried out after damage has been sustained. Rajin is an important maritime hub and strategic port, which allows North Korea to maintain its naval forces in the region.

This destroyer belongs to the large warships of the DPRK Navy and plays a key role in ensuring maritime security and control over adjacent waters. Its repair near the Russian border may be of strategic importance, given the geopolitical situation in the region.

Details about the nature of the damage and the reasons for the ship's movement have not yet been disclosed, but monitoring North Korea's actions in the area remains important for assessing the country's military potential.

New satellite images show unusual objects near North Korea's damaged warship

Recent satellite images have revealed that North Korea has placed several objects resembling balloons next to the damaged 5,000-ton warship. The ship is lying on its side and partially submerged after a failed launch last week.

Although the exact purpose of these aerial objects remains unknown, experts suggest that they can be used for several purposes. Firstly, such balls can help bring the ship back to an upright position, providing additional buoyancy and support. Secondly, they can serve as a means of disguise, protecting the damaged ship from surveillance by drones and satellites, thereby hiding the extent of the damage.

This incident highlights the difficulties faced by North Korea in maintaining its navy, and also demonstrates the unconventional methods used to solve emerging problems.

Further observation and analysis of satellite data will help to better understand the situation and assess the condition of the North Korean warship.

France is preparing to launch the PA-NG aircraft carrier program: a new stage in naval power

 

French shipbuilding company Naval Group has announced that the country plans to place an order for a promising aircraft carrier **PA-NG (Porte-Avions de Nouvelle Génération)** by the end of 2025. This project will be the largest warship ever built in Europe and is intended to replace the existing nuclear aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, which has been in service since 2001. Delivery of the new ship is expected by 2038, which will strengthen France's position as one of the leaders in the field of maritime defense.   

The new generation aircraft carrier will be equipped with a nuclear power plant, providing high autonomy and power. Its displacement is estimated at 75,000 tons, which will surpass that of Charles de Gaulle (42,000 tons). The aircraft will be able to accommodate modern Rafale fighter jets, as well as promising unmanned aerial vehicles. The ship will receive an integrated combat control system and improved air and missile defense systems.  

The current flagship of the French navy, Charles de Gaulle, is undergoing modernization, but its operational life is limited. PA-NG will ensure the continuity of France's aircraft carrier capability, enhancing strategic independence and the ability to project power. The new ship will become the basis for operations in the open ocean and support the country's global interests.    

The PA-NG is being developed jointly with British and American partners, especially in terms of creating electromagnetic catapults (EMALS) and aircraft launch systems. This will allow France to introduce advanced technologies similar to those used on American Ford-class aircraft carriers.  

The creation of PA-NG underscores France's ambitions to strengthen defense independence in the face of growing geopolitical instability. The ship will also strengthen the country's role in coalition operations and demonstrate the technical potential of the European shipbuilding industry.  

The Royal Navy of Great Britain tracked a Russian warship in British waters

 The Royal Navy has released photos of a Russian warship it was tracking in British waters.

The corvette Boyky was part of the task force, which was followed for three days by the ship HMS Somerset, escorting a merchant ship on its way from Syria to Russia via the English Channel and the North Sea. 

Patrol aircraft and NATO forces also participated in the surveillance operation, the Navy said.The Boyky is one of several Russian vessels that have entered British waters in recent months.

His Majesty'sship Somerset (rear) followed the Russian corvette Boyky (front) across the English Channel