PLA Scientists Reveal Tech Breakthrough Behind World’s Fastest Coilgun

Chinese researchers have unveiled a new electromagnetic weapon that could transform the way wars are fought in the future. A video released on April 18 by the state-owned arms manufacturer China South Industries Group (CSGC) showcases an electromagnetic coil gun capable of firing at an astonishing rate of 3,000 rounds per minute — far surpassing conventional firearms and vastly outperforming commercial models like the US-made GR-1 “Anvil,” which is limited to around 100 rounds per minute.

This dramatic increase in firing speed has caught the attention of defense analysts worldwide and raised serious concerns. Although CSGC has remained tight-lipped about the underlying technology, a study published in China’s Journal of Gun Launch & Control offers important insights. Authored by military scientists, the paper describes the development of the world’s first capacitor-free electromagnetic coil gun, powered directly by lithium batteries.

Traditional coil guns rely on capacitors to store and rapidly discharge energy to launch projectiles. However, capacitors pose a significant drawback: they require time to recharge, severely limiting the weapon’s rate of fire. This constraint hindered the performance of both early Chinese prototypes and the GR-1.

The Chinese innovation overcomes this limitation by eliminating capacitors altogether. Instead, the new weapon draws power directly from lithium battery packs, allowing for uninterrupted, rapid firing. This not only increases the rate of fire but could also simplify manufacturing and enhance durability in combat conditions.

The implications of this technological breakthrough are substantial. It could reshape the future of electromagnetic weaponry and give China a strategic edge in the global arms race. As nations compete to develop next-generation military systems, the PLA’s success sets a new benchmark — one that may redefine the role of small arms and the tempo of modern warfare.