India is advancing rapidly in next-generation warfare technology, with the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) confirming that it is developing an indigenous Electromagnetic Railgun system. The project aims to provide the Indian Army with a high-velocity precision strike capability, eliminating the need for traditional explosives and propellants.
Ankathi Raju, Chief of ARDE, described the programme as “one of the laboratory’s most ambitious initiatives to date,” underscoring its potential to transform India’s artillery capabilities. “This technology will enable long-range precision strikes using kinetic energy alone, marking a paradigm shift in battlefield engagement,” he stated.
The development places India among a select group of nations—including the United States, China, and Japan—that are actively pursuing railgun technology. Unlike conventional artillery systems that rely on chemical gunpowder to launch shells, railguns harness electromagnetic force, using electrical energy to accelerate projectiles to hypersonic speeds.
According to ARDE officials, the system operates on a surge of electrical energy estimated at 11,000 volts and 2.5 mega-amps, which propels a conductive projectile along metal rails. This generates extreme kinetic energy, enabling projectiles to reach speeds of approximately 2,000 metres per second, or roughly Mach 6.
The railgun is currently designed to fire a 50-kilogram projectile to distances approaching 200 kilometres, offering several advantages over conventional artillery. First, the range significantly exceeds that of most traditional systems, providing extended reach on the battlefield. Second, the reliance on kinetic energy rather than explosive warheads simplifies logistics and enhances safety, as the need to store and transport volatile chemical propellants is eliminated. Finally, the long-term cost efficiency of firing solid metal projectiles is expected to surpass that of complex missiles or explosive shells.
While the technology promises transformative capabilities, ARDE has acknowledged the challenges involved in weaponisation. Key hurdles include developing high-power capacitor banks, creating durable rail materials capable of withstanding intense heat and friction during firing, and integrating the entire system into a deployable, operational platform.
The railgun programme is closely linked with the establishment of dedicated facilities such as the Centre for Electromagnetic Launch Technology (CEMaLT) in Pune. The centre is tasked with scaling railgun energy levels from 10 Mega-Joules (MJ) in experimental setups to 100 MJ, a level suitable for field deployment.
Despite the technical challenges, ARDE is confident in the project’s trajectory. Mr. Raju indicated that the system could be inducted into the Indian Army within the next decade, noting that most critical enabling technologies have already been developed. The current focus is on ensuring durability, precision, and operational reliability under combat conditions.
Experts highlight that the railgun represents a strategic leap for India’s defence sector, complementing the nation’s broader push towards self-reliance in advanced military technologies. By providing a long-range, cost-effective, and highly lethal deterrent, the weapon could redefine India’s artillery doctrine and strengthen its defensive posture in a rapidly evolving regional security environment.
As nations race to develop electromagnetic launch technologies, India’s progress with the railgun underscores the country’s commitment to indigenous innovation in next-generation warfare, signaling that its defence laboratories are not just keeping pace with global developments but are actively charting a course toward the future of high-tech combat.
