China mulls building nuclear-powered tank with 450km-range railgun in 2 decades

Chinese military researchers have proposed a plan to develop a nuclear-powered main battle tank equipped with a 450km-range electromagnetic railgun, potentially ready for debut after 2045. The concept, detailed in a June paper published in Acta Armamentarii, envisions a 60-tonne vehicle powered by a small modular reactor (SMR) and a 50MJ railgun.

The research, conducted by Inner Mongolia First Machinery Group and the Beijing Institute of Technology, outlines a three-stage development path. Initially, before 2035, scientists aim to integrate electromagnetic weapons into existing tanks using mature power systems, targeting a 60-tonne tank with a 150km range and 10MJ electromagnetic gun.

From 2035 to 2045, they plan to enhance the system with higher-energy weapons and advanced energy storage, aiming for a 300km range and 20MJ electromagnetic gun. By 2045, the researchers seek to create a fully nuclear-powered tank with a 50MJ railgun, theoretically capable of reaching speeds of 3.5km/s and achieving a range of 450km.

The primary challenge lies in miniaturizing the reactor, ensuring its radiation shielding weighs less than 3 tonnes, and fitting everything within a 60-tonne armoured vehicle. Critics question the practicality of such a nuclear-powered tank, citing space, weight, and maintenance issues. Some suggest transitioning to an uncrewed, high-energy laser or microwave weapons system to maximize military value and survivability.