At this year’s Zhuhai Airshow, one of the most exciting pieces of military technology on display is a massive truck-mounted microwave weapon system. This system is part of at least three different high-powered microwave weapons designed to take down drones. These advanced weapons are part of a global rush to develop better ways to stop drones, and China is making significant progress in developing and exporting these powerful microwave and laser systems.
The Zhuhai Airshow, officially called the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition, is a major event where countries and companies show off their newest technology. This year, a lot of attention is on China’s growing ability to use directed energy weapons (like microwaves and lasers) to combat drones. These weapons use high-energy beams to destroy or disable drones, which is becoming more important as drones are used more in modern warfare.
One of the most impressive weapons showcased is a large microwave system mounted on top of a military vehicle. The system has a flat panel antenna and a rotating radar, which helps it detect and track targets. This vehicle is similar to one used for China’s Type 625E self-propelled air defense system, which is also on display. In a video released by China South Industries Group (CSGC) and Norinco, a drone is shown being destroyed by one of these microwave systems, giving a glimpse into their power.
But that’s not all. Another larger microwave system is mounted on an 8×8 truck, making it mobile and easy to deploy. This system also has a rotating radar and is designed to take down drones from a distance, showing how far China has come in this technology. The system uses infrared cameras to help identify and track drones, making them more accurate in their strikes.
These microwave weapons are not only designed for defense against drones but can also be used against other targets, like cruise missiles, and could be useful in crowded battlefields. They are especially effective against large groups of drones that are often used in swarms. Because microwave beams are broad and can quickly lock onto targets, they are more reliable than lasers, which can be affected by weather or other environmental factors.
China’s focus on directed energy weapons is growing rapidly. These technologies have been developed for some time, but with the increasing use of drones in warfare—especially in places like Ukraine and the Middle East—demand for counter-drone systems has surged. China is not only advancing its own capabilities but also looking to export these technologies to other countries, as evidenced by a recent laser weapon system being displayed in Tehran, Iran.
These developments show how China is positioning itself as a global leader in directed energy weapons, which could be a game-changer in military technology. While the full details of these systems’ capabilities are not fully known, China’s rapid progress in this field is clear. The new systems on display at Zhuhai reflect China’s growing strength in defense technology and its ability to keep up with—and even lead—the world in high-tech military solutions.
As the world becomes more reliant on drones for everything from surveillance to combat, China’s microwave and laser systems could play a crucial role in shaping the future of warfare. The technology showcased at the Zhuhai Airshow is just the beginning, and it signals a new era in military defense. The big question now is: who will be the next country to adopt these powerful new tools?
