Naval Group has presented the SCX 26, a future warship concept that pairs conventional weapons with experimental systems, including an electromagnetic cannon. The company unveiled the design at the 2026 Euronaval exhibition in Paris, while cautioning that it does not necessarily point to a future shipbuilding program.
The proposed vessel would measure 170 metres long and displace 8,000 tonnes. It is designed for a crew of 150, with space for another 100 staff or specialist personnel. Naval Group says it could travel more than 8,000 nautical miles and reach a top speed of 30 knots.
Its planned armament includes more than 100 vertical-launch missile cells, remotely operated secondary guns, loitering munitions and two modular Rampart launchers. The concept also features a rapid-fire electromagnetic cannon and a 100-kilowatt laser, both technologies that remain experimental.
An electromagnetic cannon, also known as a railgun, uses electrical current and magnetic force to propel a projectile at several times the speed of sound. Because the projectile has no explosive charge or engine, it can cost less than a missile. Naval Group presents the weapon as a possible way to counter multiple, saturating threats such as drone swarms without rapidly depleting missile stocks. The company has not disclosed the cannon’s calibre or range.
The U.S. Navy ended its railgun program in July 2021 after about 15 years and roughly $500 million in development costs, according to The Defense Post. The service cited the cost of the program, challenges fitting the weapon onto ships and progress in other systems, including lasers and hypersonic missiles. The cannon’s rails also wore down under the extreme electrical discharge, heat and pressure produced by firing.
Other countries continue to explore the technology. Japan’s navy conducted a sea trial in 2025 in which it fired an electromagnetic cannon at another vessel. France, Germany and Japan also joined forces in 2024 to work on developing the weapons.
Sources: Numerama.