DRDO Advances Development of New ‘Compact’ Electromagnetic Railgun

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has taken a major step forward in next-generation weaponry by showcasing a new compact and transportable electromagnetic railgun (EMRG) at Aero India 2025 in Bangalore. Developed by DRDO’s Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), this cutting-edge system is now ready for field trials, marking a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of advanced electromagnetic weaponry.

A Breakthrough in Electromagnetic Weaponry

The electromagnetic railgun operates using electromagnetic energy instead of conventional gunpowder, allowing for higher velocity, greater range, and improved accuracy. This new compact system has been optimized for mobility and is designed to be deployed on a trailer, making it transportable for various battlefield scenarios.

Key Features and Specifications

• High-Speed Projectile Launch: The railgun fires projectiles at speeds exceeding 2,000 meters per second (m/s) using stored electromagnetic energy.
• Modular Energy System: The setup includes 25 modular capacitor power banks, each with a storage capacity of 400 kJ, which collectively store up to 10 megajoules (MJ) of energy to power the railgun.
• Sustained Firepower: The railgun can fire 30 rounds at a rate of 3 rounds per minute when fully charged.
• Longer Rail Lifespan: The enhanced rail design allows for 50+ shots before requiring maintenance, significantly improving durability over previous designs.
• Portable Power Source: A 15 kW diesel generator can fully charge the system’s lithium battery bank in just 30 minutes, eliminating reliance on external grid power.
• Compact and Transportable Design: Unlike large-scale railgun systems, this version is trailer-mounted for easy mobility, allowing rapid deployment in various combat environments.

Reviving India’s Railgun Program

DRDO’s interest in railgun technology dates back to 1994, when it developed a prototype with a 240 kJ capacitor bank capable of launching 3–3.5 g projectiles at speeds above 2,000 m/s. However, the project was shelved due to funding constraints. In 2017, the initiative was revived with fresh funding, and today, the new compact EMRG is one of DRDO’s most advanced defense projects.

Future Applications in Defense

The electromagnetic railgun represents a potential revolution in modern warfare, particularly in naval and long-range artillery operations. Unlike traditional weapons that rely on gunpowder, the railgun’s ability to fire at hypersonic speeds with zero chemical propellants provides significant tactical advantages:

• Greater Accuracy: The projectile’s high velocity makes it harder to intercept.
• Extended Range: The use of electromagnetic propulsion allows for longer-range strikes with reduced projectile drag.
• Lower Operational Costs: Since no explosive propellant is needed, logistics and ammunition costs are significantly reduced.
• Enhanced Safety: Eliminating gunpowder reduces the risk of accidental detonations.

DRDO’s Expanding Focus on Next-Gen Weapons

Apart from the electromagnetic railgun, DRDO also showcased several futuristic defense technologies at Aero India 2025:

• Laser-Based Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs): Unveiled during the Republic Day Parade on January 26, 2025, these laser systems mark a shift towards energy-based warfare.
• Raksha Kavach Multi-Layered Defense System: A conceptual multi-domain protection system designed for future threats, also showcased at Aero India 2025.

A Step Toward Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defense

With this development, India joins a select group of nations actively pursuing electromagnetic railgun technology, reinforcing the country’s goal of achieving self-reliance in advanced military capabilities under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. As the system moves toward live trials and operational deployment, it could redefine India’s defense strategy, particularly in naval warfare and high-speed long-range artillery.

The successful development of this compact electromagnetic railgun demonstrates DRDO’s growing expertise in next-gen weaponry, positioning India among the global leaders in electromagnetic warfare technology.