China has publicly revealed details of its new generation of High-Power Microwave (HPM) weapons for the first time. According to Chinese defence scientists, the system can generate up to 100 gigawatts (GW) of microwave energy. Experts believe the technology could play a major role in future electronic and space-based warfare.
The details were published this month in a research paper by scientists at China’s National University of Defense Technology (NUDT). It is the first time China’s military has shared such extensive information about its high-power microwave weapons programme.
Scientists Claim Major Progress in Pulsed-Power Technology
Chinese researchers say the country has made rapid advances in pulsed-power technology over the past few years and is now among the world’s leading nations in this field.
China also claims that the microwave weapon has already undergone testing, although no independent verification of these claims has been provided.
100GW System Designed for Powerful Microwave Pulses
According to the report, China has developed several microwave weapons capable of producing energy in the gigawatt range, with some systems already delivered to the military.
The most powerful version reportedly generates 100GW by combining multiple high-power pulse generators to create an extremely powerful microwave beam.
Defence experts believe that if such a system is deployed as an anti-satellite weapon, it could threaten expensive low-Earth orbit satellite networks, including Starlink. It is generally believed that even a 1GW microwave pulse can seriously damage a satellite’s electronic systems, making a 100GW system significantly more powerful in theory.
Potential Use Against Drones and Electronic Equipment
High-power microwave weapons are designed to disable electronic devices rather than destroy them with explosives. If operational as claimed, such systems could be used against drones, communication equipment, radar systems and other electronic infrastructure during military operations.
However, the real-world effectiveness of the newly announced Chinese system has not been independently confirmed.
New Lithium-Ion Capacitor Hybrid System
The research paper also states that China has developed a lithium-ion capacitor hybrid system capable of activating instantly and delivering continuous power even in temperatures as low as -40°C.
According to the researchers, this would improve electronic warfare capabilities in extremely cold and polar regions.
China says it plans to make the technology smaller, more affordable and more accurate in the future so that it can be deployed across a wider range of military platforms.
First published on: Jul 11, 2026 01:25 PM IST
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