Chinese scientists have developed a compact high-power microwave (HPM) weapon capable of generating electromagnetic pulses comparable to a nuclear explosion, disrupting or destroying electronic components within enemy systems. The weapon uses phased-array transmission technology to focus energy, increasing range and enabling simultaneous attacks on multiple targets. The HPM weapon withstood over 5,000 full-power pulse emissions during testing, maintaining high operating efficiency. China’s development of HPM weapons aims to counter potential threats from the US military and enhance its strategic capabilities in electronic warfare. China has unveiled HPM systems designed to disable drones and other aerial threats, including planar array and phased array designs mounted on vehicles. The HPM weapons offer military advantages against multiple targets but face challenges such as low efficiency and limited atmospheric range. China is working to solve these limitations, with recent advancements including a groundbreaking HPM weapon powered by Stirling engines that consume less energy and can function continuously for four hours. China’s progress on HPM weapons could enable them to be mounted on ship-based point defense systems against missiles, potentially offering a feasible alternative to traditional defense systems. China’s deployment of HPM weapons on its Type 055 cruisers could bring it closer to firepower parity with the US Navy by freeing up space for anti-ship missiles and reducing the need for interceptor missiles and gun ammunition for point defense.
Chinese scientists have developed a high-power microwave (HPM) weapon that can produce electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) similar in strength to those created by a nuclear explosion. The weapon, still in testing, can disable or damage enemy electronic systems. It is compact, powerful, and uses advanced phased-array transmission technology to focus energy effectively. The weapon can target multiple threats simultaneously and has demonstrated durability in testing. Directed energy weapons like HPMs are gaining importance in modern military strategy for their efficiency and non-reliance on traditional ammunition. China and the United States are both racing to develop such weapons, with China focusing on countering space-based threats like communication satellites. China’s new HPM weapon can emit Ku-band electromagnetic pulses, potentially disrupting satellites, including those in low-Earth orbit.
China’s NORINCO has conducted field tests of the Hurricane-3000 High-Power Microwave Weapon System to counter drone swarms. The system uses high-power microwave energy to disable drones by targeting their electronics, operating at speeds approaching that of light. The Hurricane-3000 has shown promising results in neutralizing various UAV sizes and is effective in diverse environments. Although not yet in service with the PLA, its success in field tests highlights China’s advancements in directed-energy weapons and reflects a global trend towards innovative counter-drone strategies.
Chinese researchers have developed a high-power microwave (HPM) weapon with power equivalent to a nuclear explosion’s electromagnetic energy. The weapon uses phased array transmission technology and can produce microwaves approaching 1 gigawatt (GW) in power. It has been tested extensively, demonstrating stability and efficiency. The weapon could be used to target and destroy drones and satellites, posing a significant threat in modern military operations.
Chinese scientists have developed a high-powered microwave weapon that can potentially destroy or suppress satellites using a converged energy beam. The test involved seven vehicles in western China transmitting microwave beams that converged precisely in time and space, demonstrating the ability to jam GPS satellites. The technology achieved precise positioning and synchronization of the beams within a few trillionths of a second. The weapon could be used to defend against drones, disable electrical systems, and potentially target objects in orbit. China’s development of anti-satellite weapons is driven by perceived U.S. military superiority in space. However, practical ground-to-space destructive attacks may require more powerful energy weapons. The Chinese military is training regular units on how to use high-powered microwaves, but further tests are needed to determine the weapon’s practicality.
