Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’ could resurrect the US Mach 6 railgun dream

The article discusses General Atomics’ renewed efforts to develop a 32-megajoule electromagnetic railgun capable of firing projectiles at speeds up to Mach 6, as part of the US Pentagon’s “Golden Dome” missile defense initiative. This technology, which had been previously shelved by the US Navy and Army in 2021 due to cost and technical challenges, is now being revived with key engineering problems such as barrel wear and power integration reportedly resolved. The railgun system is designed to intercept both cruise and ballistic missiles, using tungsten pellets as projectiles, and offers advantages like high muzzle velocity, standoff capability, and potentially lower per-shot costs compared to traditional missile interceptors. General Atomics envisions the railgun playing a critical role in layered missile defense, particularly for protecting strategic locations like Guam, which faces threats from advanced Chinese missile systems. The company highlights the railgun’s suitability for countering high-volume missile salvos through repeatable firepower and terminal defense capabilities. Additionally