China’s nuclear carrier could add hypersonic railgun to hunt missiles

China is developing a next-generation, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier equipped with advanced defensive weapons, including high-energy laser systems and electromagnetic rail guns. These rail guns use magnetic forces to launch projectiles at hypersonic speeds, offering advantages like greater range and reduced firing noise but requiring substantial electrical power. This concept aligns with earlier proposals by Rear Admiral Ma Weiming, who envisions a "supership" integrating propulsion, power generation, and weapons into a unified electrical system, potentially transforming naval combat formations that have existed for over a century. The planned carrier would surpass China’s current conventionally powered Fujian carrier by leveraging nuclear propulsion to meet the immense power demands of electromagnetic weapons and next-generation aircraft. It is also expected to deploy sixth-generation carrier-based aircraft with enhanced maneuverability, speed, and sensing, alongside a greater presence of uncrewed, AI-integrated drones. This approach contrasts with the U.S. Navy’s abandoned rail gun program, which was discontinued due to technical and logistical challenges, including power