China has achieved a major breakthrough in military technology: an electromagnetic coilgun capable of firing 3,000 rounds per minute. This revolutionary weapon, developed by the People’s Liberation Army, could transform the military industry and have significant economic impacts worldwide.
Unlike traditional firearms, this coilgun uses magnetic fields to launch metal projectiles silently and without recoil. What sets this Chinese prototype apart is its power source: instead of conventional capacitors, it uses high-performance lithium battery arrays. This innovation eliminates reload delays, allowing continuous fire at speeds far beyond current weapons like the U.S. GR-1 “Anvil,” which fires only 100 rounds per minute.
The technology behind the coilgun combines advanced power electronics, precise control algorithms, and cutting-edge battery and semiconductor chips. This allows the weapon to accelerate projectiles efficiently and maintain stable operation without overheating, even under extreme current loads. The design also offers adjustable lethality and near-silent operation, making it ideal for covert missions and urban combat.
From an economic perspective, this technology could disrupt the global arms market. The coilgun’s reliance on batteries and electronics rather than traditional ammunition and gunpowder could reduce logistics costs and simplify supply chains. Military forces might spend less on ammunition production and transportation, shifting investment toward battery technology and electronic components.
Moreover, the high firing rate—five times faster than an AK-47—could redefine infantry tactics and demand new manufacturing capabilities. Defense contractors and suppliers specializing in lithium batteries, semiconductors, and precision electronics could see increased demand, creating new business opportunities and jobs in these sectors.
However, challenges remain. The current prototype’s accuracy is lower than traditional firearms, and battery recharge times of about an hour limit continuous use. Overcoming these hurdles will require further research and development, potentially driving innovation and investment in battery technology and energy management systems.
Energy-based arms
China’s coilgun also signals a shift in military technology competition. As nations race to develop next-generation weapons, countries investing in electromagnetic and energy-based arms could gain strategic advantages. This may lead to increased defense spending globally, benefiting industries involved in advanced materials, electronics, and energy storage.
In summary, China’s electromagnetic coilgun represents not only a technological milestone but also a potential economic catalyst for the military industry. Its development could reshape weapon manufacturing, supply chains, and defense strategies worldwide, opening new markets and driving innovation in related high-tech sectors. Entrepreneurs and businesses in defense technology, battery production, and electronics should watch this space closely as the future of warfare evolves.
Sources:
Xataka – https://www.xataka.com/magnet/china-ha-hecho-realidad-sueno-ciencia-ficcion-canon-electromagnetico-capaz-disparar-3-000-rondas-minuto
