China unleashes new microwave weapon that can fry enemy drone 2 miles away

China unleashes new microwave weapon that can fry enemy drone 2 miles away

Prabhat Ranjan Mishra

China is making advancements in its multiple military-related technologies that will give it an edge over its adversaries during a possible conflict in the future. During a recent giant air show in Zhuhai, Beijing unveiled multiple game-changer military technologies, including a mobile air defense weapons system.

Called FK-4000, the mobile air defense weapons system is reportedly capable of intercepting the smallest, lightest drones using its high-power microwaves (HPM).

Debuted by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, the weapon can deliver microwave blasts in less than a second from a distance of almost 2 miles.

In counter-attack systems, microwave weapons are reportedly more advanced than traditional systems. These weapons are faster, more efficient, and can attack a bigger surface area while being invisible. FK-4000 also has an antenna array that is nearly 26 feet wide.

Also on show was an HPM system developed by Norinco Group, which features a microwave emitter array of about the same size as the FK-4000, with a tracking mount and a search and tracking integrated radar on top. Another defense systems giant, China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC), has also incorporated the technology’s advantages into its Thunder Low-Altitude Defence System, reported SCMP.

"The 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition is highlighting the expansion of aerospace technology into everyday life, marked by a flurry of public welfare project agreements," said CASC in a statement.

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) held a signing ceremony on Tuesday for the agreements, which cover numerous major projects, including meteorological satellites, marine satellites, communication satellites, rocket launch services, and commercial aerospace, as well as strategic emerging industries like the low-altitude economy, advanced equipment and hydrogen energy.

In total, over 70 cooperation agreements and documents indicating intent to cooperate were signed, with a cumulative contract value nearing $8.3 billion (60 billion yuan).

During the air show, military electronics manufacturer CETC also showcased a second edition of a swarm launch vehicle, which has a load capacity of 48 fixed-wing drones that can all be launched within four minutes. Each vehicle can carry two sets of drones, and every device has a maximum payload and take-off weight of 15.4lb (7kg) and 66lb (30kg), respectively and an endurance of 120 minutes, according to SCMP.

During the opening ceremony of the air show on Tuesday, China featured unprecedented flight performances of three types of stealth fighter jets, namely the debut of Beijing's newly unveiled J-35A, a group of J-20s, and Russia's first-time visitor Su-57.

China also unveiled the Wing Loong-X drone, showcasing its full anti-submarine capabilities for the first time.

Built with fully independent intellectual property, the Wing Loong-X drone is a medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial system with long-range, heavy payload capacity, and the ability to perform multiple tasks, reported Global Times.