China Develops High-Power Microwave Weapon with Nuclear-Like Capabilities

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Researchers in China have reportedly developed a high-power microwave (HPM) weapon that can produce electromagnetic energy comparable to that of a nuclear explosion. This advanced technology is designed for military applications, potentially providing significant advantages in anti-drone and anti-satellite operations.

The weapon, still in the developmental phase and currently untested in the field, utilizes phased array transmission technology, allowing for energy to be precisely focused and aimed at multiple targets simultaneously. This contrasts with traditional HPM systems that typically have a satellite-dish-type antenna.

According to the development team from the National University of Defense Technology and the Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology, this new HPM can generate microwaves approaching 1 gigawatt in power. They have created a unique power divider, roughly the size of a household pedestal fan, which facilitates the distribution of electromagnetic waves into eight independent channels.

This capability could pose a significant threat to satellites and drones, particularly given that the weapon operates at frequencies used by many communication satellites, including those employed in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The U.S. has also been investing in similar technologies for potential deployment in the Indo-Pacific region.

The implications of this technology underscore the ongoing global race for advanced military capabilities as nations develop systems to counter evolving threats in modern warfare.

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