China has publicly disclosed details of a new generation of high-power microwave (HPM) weapons capable of producing outputs of up to 100 gigawatts, according to a paper published by defence scientists, marking a rare insight into the country’s military capabilities in the field of directed-energy weapons.
The research, published this month in the journal High Power Laser and Particle Beams, describes a series of advanced pulsed-power devices developed by the National University of Defence Technology (NUDT). Led by researcher Zhang Jun from the university’s College of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, the paper outlines technological advances that the authors say have moved China’s HPM systems from laboratory demonstrations to operational applications.
The publication represents an uncommon public disclosure by the Chinese military regarding its high-power microwave arsenal. According to the researchers, China’s pulsed-power technology has advanced rapidly in recent years in response to sustained national strategic requirements, with the scope and depth of research placing the country among the world’s leading developers in the field.
The paper states that pulsed-power drivers used for high-power microwave generation have evolved from functional prototypes into high-performance and durable systems suitable for practical deployment. The researchers describe this transition as a significant milestone in the development of China’s directed-energy capabilities.
Among the systems detailed in the paper is a 100-gigawatt-class device composed of multiple high-power pulse generators operating in synchronisation. According to the researchers, the system combines several pulses to generate an output significantly higher than that produced by individual pulsed-power drivers, while also providing the potential for additional scaling in future designs.
The paper states that producing tens of gigawatts of microwave output within strict space and weight limitations remains a key objective for future HPM technology. The researchers say synchronising multiple compact pulsed-power modules allows each unit to operate at maximum efficiency while improving the overall power-to-weight ratio, overcoming technical limitations associated with single-driver systems, including insulation constraints.
According to the paper, Chinese research institutions have developed a range of gigawatt-class high-power microwave weapons, with some systems already delivered to users. The researchers also describe several additional devices employing different technological approaches, including all-solid-state pulsed systems designed to operate across varying mission environments and operational requirements.
The study highlights supporting technological developments that the researchers say contributed to these advances, including a lithium-ion capacitor hybrid system capable of immediate activation at temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius while maintaining a continuous power supply. According to the paper, the technology is intended to improve the operational responsiveness of electronic warfare units in winter and polar conditions.
The researchers state that the publication reflects China’s progress in pulsed-power technology and directed-energy systems. They also identify future research priorities, including improving the precision of energy beam control while reducing the size and cost of high-power microwave systems.
The paper notes that high-power microwave pulses reaching one gigawatt are generally considered capable of causing significant interference or hardware damage to low Earth orbit satellites. It states that the findings could serve as a reference for countries assessing the vulnerability of large satellite constellations. According to the researchers, if deployed in anti-satellite operations, ultra-high-power microwave weapons could pose a threat to low Earth orbit satellite networks involved in military activities at comparatively low cost.
The authors also state that countries seeking to match China’s progress in high-power microwave technology face challenges including declining industrial capacity, lower investment in research and development, and limited access to critical materials such as rare earth elements. They conclude that further advances will focus on increasing system efficiency while improving precision and reducing operational costs.
