The U.S. Navy has resumed testing its electromagnetic railgun program after years of dormancy, with the system now being evaluated aboard Trump-class vessels following previous technical setbacks. Simultaneously, the Navy has partnered with defense technology company Anduril to develop extra-large autonomous underwater vehicles through the CAMP program, marking a shift toward unmanned maritime capabilities. These developments coincide with statements from EUCOM leadership indicating Europe could lead its own conventional defense operations by 2035.
The timeline represents a potential strategic realignment of NATO burden-sharing, with European allies assuming primary responsibility for continental defense while the U.S. potentially redirects focus to Pacific operations against China. The railgun's revival suggests renewed confidence in directed-energy weapons for naval surface warfare, potentially offering cost-effective alternatives to expensive guided missiles in high-intensity conflicts.
European defense ministers have yet to formally respond to the 2035 timeline, though previous NATO summits have emphasized capability development goals. The railgun program's resurrection may prompt allied nations to accelerate their own advanced weapons research, while China and Russia are likely monitoring both the electromagnetic weapons progress and NATO's evolving command structure.
The Navy has not disclosed specific contract values for either the railgun testing or Anduril partnership, though previous railgun development consumed over $500 million between 2005-2021. Anduril's XL-AUV contract follows the company's completion of the longest autonomous underwater demonstration on record, suggesting significant Pentagon investment in unmanned maritime systems.
The convergence of these programs reflects broader U.S. defense priorities: maintaining technological superiority while gradually shifting alliance responsibilities. However, the 2035 timeline remains ambitious given current European defense spending levels and industrial capacity constraints.