China Develops 100-Gigawatt Microwave Weapon to Blind Satellites

Chinese researchers have revealed a high-power microwave (HPM) weapon system capable of delivering 100 gigawatts of pulsed power, enough to disrupt or destroy satellite electronics in low Earth orbit. The breakthrough, published in the journal High Power Laser and Particle Beams, details modular pulse generators synchronized to achieve unprecedented output levels, raising concerns for constellations like Starlink Source: euronewses; Source: elconfidencial.

How It Works

The system combines multiple compact pulse generators to avoid the isolation limits of a single unit. Each module operates near peak efficiency, and together they can scale power beyond 100 GW. The researchers claim that even a 1 GW pulse can already cause severe interference to low-orbit satellites, making the new system a potential game-changer in electronic warfare Source: euronewses. Additional innovations include a lithium-ion capacitor hybrid that functions at -40°C and solid-state designs for diverse environments Source: euronewses; Source: elconfidencial.

Strategic Implications

Unlike kinetic anti-satellite weapons that create debris fields, HPM weapons disrupt electronics without physical impact, offering deniability and lower operational cost. Both sources note that the technology could also target drone swarms on Earth Source: elconfidencial. However, neither article confirms the system is fully operational; one cites experts considering it a promising but still evolving prototype Source: elconfidencial.

• China benefits from sustained investment in pulsed power research, while other nations face industrial and R&D barriers Source: euronewses.
• The weapon's modular nature makes it mobile and potentially deployable on ships or vehicles Source: euronewses.