Chinese defense scientists have publicly revealed for the first time details of an arsenal of weapons based on high-power microwave (HPM) radiation, capable of reaching an output power of up to 100 gigawatts.
Chinese defense scientists have publicly revealed for the first time details of an arsenal of weapons based on high-power microwave (HPM) radiation, capable of reaching an output power of up to 100 gigawatts.
This is reported by the South China Morning Post, citing an article in the journal High Power Laser and Particle Beams.
Researchers from the National University of Defense Technology of China (NUDT) led by Zhang Jun have described a series of pulsed-power devices developed by the Chinese military in recent years — a rare case of public disclosure of such data by the Chinese military.
According to the authors of the article, «Chinese pulse power technology is developing rapidly,» and research in this field is now among the world’s leading in depth and scope. Pulse power technology for microwave generation has moved from laboratory prototypes to practical applications, gradually evolving from merely functional to high-performance and durable systems.
The most notable of these devices is a 100-gigawatt-class system built on a combination of multiple powerful pulse generators, combined to achieve unprecedented levels of output power, with the potential for further scalability. Due to technical limitations, including insulation issues, a single pulse generator cannot produce enough power for the growing demand — so Chinese engineers are synchronizing multiple compact modules so that each operates at peak efficiency with the maximum power-to-weight ratio.
Separately, the article describes a new hybrid system based on lithium-ion capacitors, capable of instantly activating even at temperatures of minus 40°C, providing stable power supply — this should significantly increase the efficiency of China’s electronic warfare units in winter and polar conditions.
It is generally accepted that microwave pulses with a power of 1 gigawatt or more can cause serious interference or even damage to satellite equipment in low-Earth orbit. If such a weapon were used for anti-satellite purposes, it could theoretically threaten expensive orbital constellations like Starlink at an extremely low cost of attack — especially if such satellites are involved in military activities.
The paper says that further research priorities include improving the precision of the energy beam control, as well as reducing the size and cost of the systems. The publication notes that other countries seeking to catch up with China’s progress in this area will have to overcome significant obstacles, from industrial decline and reduced investment in research to limited access to critical materials, including rare earth metals.
