top of page
Search

China's Next-Generation Nuclear Aircraft Carrier to Feature Electromagnetic Rail Guns and Laser Weapons

  • MM24 News Desk
  • Nov 13
  • 3 min read
ree


Chinese military experts have revealed plans for a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier equipped with electromagnetic rail guns and laser weapons, technologies the US Navy abandoned after investing $500 million. Professor Liang Fang from the National Defence University stated these futuristic energy weapons will transform naval combat, echoing Rear Admiral Ma Weiming's "supership" concept that promises to overturn century-old fleet formations.


When the United States Navy quietly shelved its electromagnetic rail gun program after years of development and significant investment, many assumed the technology was simply too challenging. Now, Chinese military experts are indicating that not only have they solved these challenges, but they're preparing to deploy rail guns and other energy weapons on their next-generation nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.


During a recent state broadcaster CCTV program, Professor Liang Fang, a military commentator at the National Defence University, outlined the ambitious vision. "China’s future nuclear-powered aircraft carrier can be equipped with more advanced defensive weapons, such as high-energy laser weapon and electromagnetic rail gun," stated Professor Liang, who holds the rank of senior captain.




This revelation aligns with a revolutionary concept publicly detailed two years ago by one of China's most prominent naval scientists. Rear Admiral Ma Weiming, a leading figure in the People's Liberation Army's electromagnetic technology program, described what he called a "supership" in a 2023 paper.



This vessel would integrate powerful electromagnetic weapons with a robust nuclear-powered electrical system. "It will completely overturn the combat formation of naval fleets that has been in place for over a hundred years," the rear admiral predicted at the time.


So what exactly is an electromagnetic rail gun, and why is it such a game-changer for naval warfare? Unlike conventional weapons that use chemical propellants, an electromagnetic rail gun (EMRG) uses massive electrical currents to generate extremely powerful magnetic fields.


These fields accelerate a conductive projectile along two rails, launching it at staggering hypersonic speeds—far faster than any traditional naval gun. The technology offers tremendous advantages, including incredibly high muzzle velocity for greater range and impact, and near-silent operation compared to the thunderous blast of conventional artillery.


However, these benefits come with an enormous engineering hurdle: power. Firing a rail gun requires a sudden, massive surge of electricity—so much that it has historically been beyond the capacity of conventional warship power systems. This appears to be the primary reason the U.S. Navy ultimately halted its program after spending approximately $500 million on development, according to reports cited by The National Interest.



China's proposed solution, according to the experts, is the integration of these weapons with a next-generation nuclear reactor. In Admiral Ma's envisioned warship, the nuclear power system would supply energy not just for propulsion and basic ship functions, but also for an entire suite of futuristic armaments. This includes not only rail guns, but also coil guns, electromagnetic rocket launchers, laser weapons, and high-powered microwave devices.


The technological leap doesn't stop with the ship's defenses. Professor Liang also hinted at a transformed air wing operating from the carrier's deck. "The sixth-generation carrier-based aircraft are expected to be deployed on the nuclear-powered carrier, featuring higher manoeuvrability, faster flight speeds and enhanced sensing capabilities," she explained during her CCTV appearance. Furthermore, she noted that the proportion of uncrewed carrier-based aircraft would "also increase significantly," suggesting a future carrier group blending manned and unmanned systems.


The potential deployment of these systems represents more than just new hardware; it signals a fundamental shift in naval doctrine. A carrier equipped with long-range rail guns and directed-energy weapons could engage targets at much greater distances, defend against incoming missiles and aircraft with greater efficiency, and project power in ways that current carrier strike groups cannot. While technical challenges undoubtedly remain, China's public discussion of these capabilities indicates serious progress toward making the "supership" concept a reality.




Comments

bottom of page