On May 5, 2025 , the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) inaugurated the Centre for Electromagnetic Launch Technology (CEMaLT), a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to pioneering research in Electromagnetic Railgun Technology. The event, marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and plaque unveiling, was led by the Secretary of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, alongside prominent figures including Prof. Prateek Kishore, Director General (Armament and Combat Engineering); Dr. Manu Korulla, DG (Resources & Management); Mrs. Chandrika Kaushik, DG (Planning, Coordination & Systems Integration); and Sh. A Raju, Director of the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE).
The CEMaLT facility, developed under the aegis of ARDE, is poised to become a cornerstone in India’s pursuit of next-generation weaponry.
Electromagnetic railguns, the focus of this center, represent a revolutionary shift in military technology. Unlike conventional weapons that rely on chemical propellants, railguns use electromagnetic forces to accelerate projectiles to hypersonic velocities—speeds exceeding Mach 5—delivering devastating kinetic energy to targets without the need for explosives. This advancement promises to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Army and Navy, offering greater range, precision, and safety in combat scenarios.
Electromagnetic railgun technology operates on the principle of the Lorentz force, where a high electrical current generates a magnetic field to propel a conductive projectile along a pair of rails at extraordinary speeds. According to earlier DRDO reports, ARDE had successfully developed a 10 MJ (megajoule) railgun by 2022, capable of firing projectiles weighing up to 1 kg with bore diameters ranging from 12 mm to 45 mm.
The newly established CEMaLT facility aims to scale this technology, targeting railguns with energy capacities of up to 100 MJ, which could propel projectiles at velocities exceeding 2,000 m/s—potentially reaching hypersonic speeds of over 3,000 m/s, akin to advancements seen in global programs like the U.S. Navy’s 2010 test that achieved 3,390 m/s (Mach 10).
The strategic implications of this technology are profound. Railguns eliminate the need for explosive propellants, reducing logistical burdens and enhancing crew safety by minimizing the risk of onboard explosions. Their ability to achieve higher muzzle velocities translates to extended range and improved accuracy, making them ideal for anti-tank, artillery, and air defense applications. For the Indian Navy, railguns could provide a game-changing capability for ship-based defense systems, allowing for rapid, long-range engagements with unprecedented precision.
However, the development of railguns is not without challenges. The technology demands immense electrical power—often requiring advanced capacitor banks or pulsed power systems—and the extreme forces involved can cause significant wear on the rails, necessitating durable materials and innovative engineering solutions. Globally, countries like the United States have been exploring railgun technology since the late 20th century, with programs like the U.S. Army’s Cannon-Caliber Electromagnetic Gun demonstrating breech efficiencies over 50% as early as 1995. India’s foray into this domain positions it among a select group of nations investing in electromagnetic launch systems, signaling its intent to stay at the forefront of military innovation.
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The establishment of CEMaLT also reflects DRDO’s broader vision of self-reliance in defense technology, aligning with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. By developing indigenous railgun systems and associated subsystems, India aims to reduce its dependence on foreign technology while enhancing its strategic deterrence capabilities.
