China’s Defense Scientists Detail 100-Gigawatt Microwave Weapons in New Paper

China’s military has publicly disclosed the capabilities of its high-power microwave weapons for the first time, with defense scientists reporting devices that can deliver up to 100 gigawatts of output. The details were published in a recent paper by researchers from the National University of Defence Technology.

According to the South China Morning Post, the paper appeared in the journal High Power Laser and Particle Beams and outlines advanced pulsed-power devices built in recent years. The technology could present a new threat to satellite networks at a fraction of the cost of traditional anti-satellite systems.

"The technology could potentially threaten low Earth orbit satellite networks like Starlink at extremely low cost."

scmp.comChina discloses high-power microwave weapons capable of 100 GW output, threatening satellite networks

This marks a significant milestone in warfare technology, as the low-cost nature of these weapons could upend the economics of space-based infrastructure.

Tech360.tv reported that the disclosure details the advanced pulsed power devices developed by the Chinese military, emphasizing the 100-gigawatt output. The outlet noted that the information raises concerns about the safety of satellite constellations.

tech360.tvChina Unveils 100-Gigawatt Microwave Weapons, Raising Satellite Concerns

"This disclosure details advanced pulsed power devices developed by the Chinese military."

The public release of such specifications signals a new era in electronic warfare, where high-power microwave weapons can disrupt or destroy electronic systems in orbit without the need for kinetic strikes. Both outlets highlighted the strategic shift this represents, as China openly discusses capabilities that were previously kept classified.