China Reveals and Describes Its 100 GW Microwave Weapon: It's Not a Prototype, It's Already in Use

China has publicly disclosed new details about the development of its high-power microwave (HPM) weapons, describing systems capable of reaching power levels of up to 100 gigawatts. The documentation provides a rare overview of the technologies developed for military use and dedicated to electronic warfare and satellite operations.

The information appeared in the scientific journal High Power Laser and Particle Beams through a study conducted by researchers at the National University of Defense Technology (NUDT) and reported by the South China Morning Post. According to the authors, the Chinese program has now surpassed the prototype phase and has achieved practical applications in the military.

"In recent years, driven by consistent and significant national strategic needs, Chinese power pulse technology has made rapid advancements. The breadth and depth of research in this field are now among the most important in the world," the note shared by researchers led by Zhang Jun from NUDT's College of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies reads.

Among the described projects, a 100 GW microwave system emerges, developed by connecting multiple high-power pulse generators within the same platform. The synchronization of the modules allows overcoming the technical limits of individual generators, such as electrical isolation issues, and increasing overall power without compromising the performance-to-weight and size ratio.

"The synchronization of multiple compact pulsed power modules enables each unit to operate at maximum efficiency, while simultaneously optimizing the power-to-weight ratio. NUDT has developed an 'ultra-high-power pulsed' system of the highest power class at 100 GW based on this methodology," the researchers explained.

The study also describes fully solid-state systems designed to meet different operational needs. According to the researchers, microwave pulses of 1 GW are already sufficient to cause strong interference or damage to electronic components installed on low Earth orbit satellites. A platform capable of generating significantly higher power could therefore represent a threat to large satellite constellations used for military purposes as well.

The authors also claim that some Chinese institutions have already developed microwave weapons in the gigawatt range and that part of these systems has been delivered to end-users. The study also dedicates space to support technologies. Among these is a hybrid system based on lithium-ion capacitors, capable of functioning immediately even at -40 °C and providing continuous power. A feature that, according to researchers, could improve the operational readiness of units dedicated to electronic warfare even in environments characterized by particularly harsh temperatures.

The document also clarifies the direction of future development. The goal is to refine the control of the energy beam, while the size and costs of the systems will need to decrease. Finally, researchers believe that other countries may face greater difficulties in bridging the technological gap due to lower industrial capacity, more limited investments in research, and a limited availability of essential materials, such as rare earths.