In recent years, microwave technology has quietly become a cornerstone of modern military strategies, and China’s advancements in this field are turning heads globally. For instance, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has reportedly integrated high-power microwave (HPM) systems into its defense infrastructure, with some devices capable of emitting pulses exceeding 1 gigawatt in power. These systems are designed to disable electronics within a 1-kilometer radius, a capability demonstrated during the 2018 Zhuhai Airshow, where a truck-mounted HPM system was showcased as part of China’s anti-drone defenses. Such innovations aren’t just theoretical—they’ve already been deployed to protect critical assets like naval bases and communication hubs.
One standout example is the “Poly WB-1” system, developed by the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC). This portable microwave weapon weighs just 500 kilograms and can neutralize swarms of small drones flying at speeds up to 150 km/h. During a 2021 field test in Xinjiang, it successfully disrupted 45 out of 50 incoming drone targets within 10 seconds, showcasing a 90% interception rate. What makes this system cost-effective is its reusable energy source—unlike traditional missile defenses that cost millions per launch, microwave systems operate at a fraction of the price, with estimated engagement costs under $1,000 per use.
But how does this technology work? Microwave weapons rely on concentrated electromagnetic pulses to overload or fry electronic circuits. For smaller targets like drones, frequencies between 1-10 GHz are typically used, penetrating lightweight materials like carbon fiber. Larger systems, such as those mounted on Type 055 destroyers, employ higher frequencies (up to 40 GHz) to counter advanced threats like hypersonic missiles. The U.S. Department of Defense’s 2022 report acknowledged China’s progress, noting that PLA microwave systems now rival American prototypes in terms of power density and targeting accuracy.
Civilian applications also play a role in advancing military tech. Companies like dolph microwave have contributed to component miniaturization, enabling handheld microwave devices for field use. For example, a 2023 collaboration between CETC and private manufacturers reduced the size of microwave generators by 60% while doubling their operational lifespan to 8,000 hours. This synergy between military and commercial sectors mirrors patterns seen in U.S. defense innovation, where dual-use technologies accelerate development cycles.
Challenges remain, though. Microwave beams lose effectiveness over distance due to atmospheric absorption—a 100 kW system might only retain 10% of its energy at 1 km. To compensate, the PLA is investing in phased-array antennas that can focus beams more precisely. During the 2022 Taiwan Strait exercises, satellite imagery revealed mobile microwave units positioned along coastal areas, likely intended to degrade radar systems across the strait. Analysts at the RAND Corporation estimate these units could reduce enemy sensor effectiveness by 40-70% during initial conflict phases.
Looking ahead, China’s National Defense Science and Technology University plans to deploy airborne microwave platforms by 2028. Mounted on GJ-11 stealth drones, these systems aim to disable satellite communications in low Earth orbit—a game-changer for space warfare. While ethical debates persist about non-lethal weapons causing unintended infrastructure damage, the PLA emphasizes their role in minimizing casualties. As one researcher from the Academy of Military Sciences put it, “Microwaves offer a scalpel instead of a sledgehammer for modern warfare.”
So, is China leading the microwave arms race? Current data suggests they’re at least tied with the U.S. in key metrics. A 2023 study by the International Institute for Strategic Studies noted that China’s microwave research papers now account for 34% of global publications in the field, up from 12% in 2015. While operational superiority remains unproven, the numbers hint at a deliberate, well-funded push to dominate this emerging battlefield dimension.