Latest news with #DSEI
Japan Forward
07-07-2025
- Science
- Japan Forward
Naval Railgun: Japan's New Chapter in Defense Innovation
Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force has unveiled an electromagnetic railgun atop the JS Asuka, a 6,200-ton experimental vessel. Military news site The War Zone reported the development on July 1. According to the report, the railgun installed on the Asuka closely resembles a prototype tested by Japan's Ministry of Defense, both on land and at sea, under the supervision of its Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA). The high-speed, cost-effective weapon is now undergoing operational trials, with a live-fire test at sea slated for late July. A railgun uses electromagnetic force instead of gunpowder to launch metal projectiles at hypersonic speeds, often surpassing Mach 6. It does so by discharging several megajoules (MJ) of electrical energy in an instant, propelling the projectile along a pair of metal rails. A view of the turret with the protective shroud still in place around the railgun. (©X account/HNlEHupY4Nr6hRM) Because the process generates intense heat and requires a dedicated cooling system too large for conventional destroyers, the JS Asuka was chosen. As an experimental vessel with a spacious, modular deck, it can meet the significant space and power requirements of the hardware. Despite its complexity, the railgun offers various advantages. Beyond targeting ships and ground-based threats, it holds potential for intercepting cruise missiles, drones, and even hypersonic projectiles. The kinetic rounds, or metal slugs, are inexpensive relative to other interceptor missiles and are easier to store. Japan's program stands in sharp contrast to that of the United States, which invested roughly $500 million USD from 2005 to late 2021 to develop two railgun prototypes. Though early signs of promise, the US ultimately shelved the program due to technical and logistical challenges. Japan's Ministry of Defense unveils "rail gun" at the DSEI exhibit (left) on May 21. (©Hidemitsu Kaito) Alongside Japan, countries including South Korea, China, Turkey, France, and Germany are actively pursuing railgun technology. South Korea launched its development efforts in 2010, spearheaded by its Agency for Defense Development. Japan's railgun model drew particular attention at the DSEI defense expo in June, where Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba visited the event to stress the government's commitment to advancing domestic defense innovation. Previously limited by postwar constitutional constraints and arms export bans, Japan is now gradually shedding its pacifist limitations. In 2023, for instance, Tokyo enacted the Act on Enhancing Defense Production and Technology Bases to facilitate government funding, R&D support, and international partnerships in the defense sector. PM Ishiba (front row, second from left) visits DSEI Japan, a trade fair for defense equipment and weapons, on May 22. (©Sankei) Mitsubishi Electric's air surveillance radar export to the Philippines in 2023 and 2024 marked one of Japan's first major arms transfers since WWII. Two of the four agreed units have been delivered, and Manila is considering an additional order of five, according to The Sankei Shimbun . Multiple reports also indicate that the Philippine Navy is exploring the purchase of six second-hand Abukuma-class destroyer escorts from Japan. Meanwhile, Tokyo is co-developing a sixth-generation stealth fighter with the United Kingdom and Italy under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). They aim to field the aircraft by the mid-2030s. If Japan's railgun sea trials prove successful, the country would become the first in the world to deploy an operational naval railgun system. Such a milestone would not only showcase the country's advancing technological capabilities but also signal its evolving strategic posture in response to intensifying military threats from neighboring countries. Author: Kenji Yoshida
Business News Wales
18-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Welsh Aerospace and Defence Sector Showcased at Paris Airshow
Wales' £3.7 billion aerospace and defence industries are going from strength-to-strength, with around 285 companies now manufacturing in the country, the Welsh Government has revealed. Whilst visiting the prestigious Paris Airshow, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, also reinforced the Welsh Government's commitment to growing the closely integrated aerospace and defence sectors. Combined, Wales' aerospace and defence sectors support 16,000 jobs, have a turnover of more than £3.7 billion, and contribute around £1.5 billion in GVA to the Welsh economy. Eight of the world's top 11 global aerospace and defence companies maintain significant operations in Wales, including Airbus, RTX (formerly Raytheon), General Dynamics, GE Aerospace, BAE Systems, Safran, Rolls Royce and Thales. Speaking as part of the week-long event in Parc des Expositions de Paris-Le Bourget, the Cabinet Secretary highlighted the nation's key capabilities in the aerospace sector and its support of growth in defence equipment and technologies production, emphasising the established facilities, skilled workforce, and robust supply chains already in place across Wales. The Cabinet Secretary, Rebecca Evans, said: 'Wales boasts world class capabilities in the defence and aerospace sectors and Paris Airshow represents a global platform to further raise the profile of Wales as a dynamic hub for inward investment. 'We are committed to delivering for Welsh companies and supporting them to create new jobs in the industries of the future.' The Welsh Government said it was working to ensure that Wales benefits from additional expenditure in the defence sector, recently attending DSEI in Japan and soon to be taking a delegation of companies to DSEI in London in September.
South Wales Argus
18-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Welsh Government backs aerospace and defence sectors
The Welsh Government has highlighted the strength of its £3.7 billion aerospace and defence sectors during the Paris Airshow, where cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning, Rebecca Evans, reaffirmed support for the growing industries. Wales is home to around 285 aerospace and defence companies, supporting 16,000 jobs and contributing approximately £1.5 billion in GVA to the Welsh economy. Ms Evans said: "Wales boasts world-class capabilities in the defence and aerospace sectors and Paris Airshow represents a global platform to further raise the profile of Wales as a dynamic hub for inward investment." Eight of the world's top 11 aerospace and defence companies have a significant presence in Wales, including Airbus, RTX, General Dynamics, GE Aerospace, BAE Systems, Safran, Rolls Royce and Thales. Ms Evans said the Welsh Government is committed to supporting businesses to create jobs in emerging industries. The government recently attended DSEI in Japan and will lead a delegation to DSEI in London in September.
Japan Forward
28-05-2025
- Business
- Japan Forward
DSEI Japan: Showcasing Innovation Amid Rising Threats
DSEI Japan, the country's largest defense trade exhibition, was held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba from May 21 to 23. Originally launched in the United Kingdom, the event has taken place in Japan biannually since 2021, making this its third running. The 2025 event was the largest to date, featuring 471 exhibitors from 33 countries. Japanese companies comprised roughly 40% of all participants, reflecting the nation's growing interest in the defense industry. On May 22, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba became the first sitting Japanese leader to attend the exhibition. He delivered a speech stressing his commitment to defense equipment collaboration with allies and partner nations. "Advancing collaboration in equipment transfer, joint development, and joint production is crucial for promoting peace and stability in Japan and the region," he said. Ishiba highlighted China's "unilateral attempts to change the status quo" in the East and South China Seas, North Korea's ballistic missile launches, and expanding military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. "The security environment is becoming increasingly severe," he said. Kawasaki Heavy Industries' unmanned helicopter can carry 200 kg of cargo. (©Hidemitsu Kaito) Ishiba added, "Equipment cooperation will help strengthen deterrence not only for our country but also for our allies and partners." The Prime Minister also mentioned the significance of Japan, the UK, and Italy collaborating on the next-generation fighter jet, the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). "This will lay the foundation for broad coordination with the UK and Italy for generations to come," he said. After his speech, Ishiba toured the venue, observing the latest defense technology. The exhibition featured cutting-edge technologies, including gears, small arms, large ships, unmanned vehicles, and cybersecurity systems. Japan's Ministry of Defense drew particular attention with its "railgun" (electromagnetic cannon) designed to intercept hypersonic missiles. Japan's Ministry of Defense unveils "rail gun" at the DSEI exhibit (left) on May 21. (©Hidemitsu Kaito) Rising geopolitical tensions are boosting demand for unmanned aircraft and automated, labor-saving technologies. They are also accelerating innovation to enhance soldier safety. Sweden's SAAB showcased a training system for anti-tank recoilless rifles. Meanwhile, Turkish firm OTOKAR displayed an armored vehicle designed for countering anti-tank mines. A Ukrainian company unveiled a drone-based precision strike system, gaining attention for its technology honed through real combat experience. SAAB showcases a training system for firing anti-tank recoilless rifles. (©Hidemitsu Kaito) On May 21, United States Ambassador to Japan George Glass attended the opening ceremony at the US Pavilion. In his remarks, the ambassador emphasized the need for regional stability and stronger deterrence."Coordination among allies in the Indo-Pacific, joint development, and joint production are essential. Collaboration between American and Japanese defense industries is indispensable," he said. Ambassador George Glass speaks at the opening ceremony of the US Pavilion. (©Hidemitsu Kaito) Kawasaki Heavy Industries presented an unmanned helicopter capable of carrying up to 200 kilograms of supplies for potential use in island defense. Meanwhile, Rakuten Group emphasized its support for Ukrainian startups through partnerships with Ukrainian government agencies. The Rakuten and Ukrainian agencies' booth showcases support for startups. (©Hidemitsu Kaito) Defense Minister Gen Nakatani tours the exhibition on May 21. (©Hidemitsu Kaito) Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, who toured the venue on the first day, said, "The number of enlistments in the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) is declining, making the introduction of drones and labor-saving equipment essential." The SDF has a capacity of around 247,000 personnel, but is projected to face a shortfall of 23,000 by the end of 2024. Japan's defense system continues to evolve. The FY2025 defense budget is set at ¥8.4748 trillion JPY ($58.8 billion USD). This level represents a 9.7% increase from the previous year and reaches 1.8% of GDP. In 2020, the Air Self-Defense Force established a Space Operations Squadron to focus on outer space. Space surveillance has become increasingly vital, as evidenced by foreign firms capturing real-time satellite images of a North Korean destroyer grounding during its launch ceremony. A model of the next-generation fighter jet being jointly developed by Japan, the UK, and Italy. (©Hidemitsu Kaito) The next-generation fighter jet under development, GCAP, mentioned by Ishiba, is expected to outperform the American stealth fighter F-35. However, as China and Russia rapidly expand their military power, Japan must further strengthen its defense capabilities. ( Read this in Japanese ) Author: Hidemitsu Kaito
India.com
25-05-2025
- India.com
This country achieved success where US failed by building ‘high-power' railgun, country is..., not Russia, China, UK, France, Germany, India, Pakistan
(State-of-the-art railgun displayed at DSEI Japan defense exhibition. | GABRIEL DOMINGUEZ) New Delhi: Ever since the twin tragedies struck Japan on 6 and 9 August, 1945 in the form of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the island nation never went for the development of weapons and military systems on a large scale. Instead, it focused on experimenting and developing new and better technologies for the benefit of humanity. It worked quietly on building new, improved infrastructure which the world swears by. DSEI Japan 2025 With the rapid and strategic changes in the geopolitics and equation around the world, Japan is now out with 'DSEI Japan'. DSEI Japan is the only large-scale, fully integrated defence event to take place in Japan, providing unprecedented levels of access into the Japanese and wider Asia-Pacific market. It was held at Makuhari Messe, Chiba from 21-23 May 2025 and attracted 471 firms from 33 countries, including 169 from Japan alone. Japan's revolutionary railgun It is here that Tokyo exhibited its trailblazing railgun. The railgun weapon was considered unfeasible and impossible to achieve even by the mighty United States. But before delving into the USA-Japan story, let's tell you that at DSEI, Japan exhibited high-powered lasers, missiles, drones, trainer jets, and many other new defense platforms. This surely makes one wonder if the country has radically changed its defence policies with North Korea and China as its neighbours? Futuristic weapon The main attraction at the expo that created a lot of curiosity and interest is the 'futuristic railgun' that its makers believe can even shoot down hypersonic missiles. The railgun was test-fired by the Japanese Navy for the first time last year and Tokyo released a few images in April. DSEI was perhaps the first public display of the gun. In fact, railgun, though described as futuristic, was conceptualised during the 1920s, and many countries, including China, France, Germany, and India, have tried building one. The USA, arguably the most powerful military in the world, tried its luck at this weapon but abandoned its plans in 2021 after encountering multiple tech hurdles. But look here, Japan turned it upside down and Tokyo succeeded, where Washington failed. The Chinese connection We cannot leave behind China. While America halted its mission, China and Japan continued the work on railguns and in February last year, China claimed a breakthrough. Feng Junhong-led team and the National Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Energy at the Naval University of Engineering published a paper in the Journal of the Naval University of Engineering in November. The team claimed that its research resulted in the metal shell fired from a railgun receiving stable signals from the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) developed and operated by China. The BeiDou consistently adjusted its flight path, maintaining an error of less than 15 meters (49 feet) 'until it hits its target.' 'Achieving such high accuracy at such high speeds is not easy, as the shell can travel 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) per second,' the report added. Unique antenna created by Chinese engineers Chinese engineers created a unique antenna that can resist intense electromagnetic radiation and receive clear signals from the BeiDou constellation's military frequency band. As for Japan, it started working on the railgun project in 2016. It has till date invested US$300 million and a prototype of the weapon is already undergoing trials aboard a Maritime Self-Defense Force test vessel. Analysts privy to the project and those present at the exposition are unanimous in their conviction that Tokyo's public unveiling of the railgun at the 2025 DSEI Japan shows that the country is confident in its technology and product reliability. How railguns work Even though the concept is about 100 years old and the world's top military power failed to realise its dream, the basic science behind railguns is quite simple. Railguns are guns but unlike conventional guns they don't use gunpowder. They use electricity and magnetism to launch projectiles at hypersonic speed. Let's go back to our school Physics classes A railgun has two parallel metal rails connected to a power source which are placed close together, with a conductive projectile (often a metal ball) between them. When the railgun is activated, a massive electric current flows through one rail, across the projectile, and back through the other rail, creating a complete circuit. This huge current generates a powerful magnetic field around the rails. According to a principle called the Lorentz force, when electricity flows through a conductor (the projectile) in a magnetic field, it creates a force that pushes the projectile forward at hypersonic speed, often exceeding Mach 5 (6174 kmph). A railgun uses an electromagnetic field to thrust the projectile forward to its target at incredibly high speed, Mach 5 (6174 kmph) which provides it with enough kinetic energy to destroy any potential target. They can reach a monstrous speed of Mach 8.8 (10866.2 kmph). Usually, the projectile could be any metal ball without any explosives. Due to the mind-blowing volume of kinetic energy used for the push, it has been compared to a meteor hitting the Earth. Put simply, a railgun converts electromagnetic energy into kinetic energy and uses that kinetic energy to destroy a target which could be a fighter jet, missile, drone, or ship.
