Discover how this 1 GW microwave cannon simulates an electromagnetic pulse. Explore the risks to global security and defense.
The development of a very high-powered microwave cannon, estimated at 1 gigawatt (GW), is raising many questions. Some Chinese researchers have announced that this equipment would be capable of locally reproducing the effect of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) comparable to that caused by a nuclear weapon. Such information points to a growing interest in directed-energy weapons, aimed at neutralizing modern electronic devices such as drones or satellites. In this article, we examine the characteristics of these weapons, their strategic implications and possible protective measures.
Definitions and basic principles
A microwave gun is a device that concentrates and projects high-frequency electromagnetic waves. The pulses generated can disrupt or destroy electronic components. In this case, the emission power reaches 1 GW, an unusual level for a system of this type. By way of comparison, a medium-sized civil nuclear reactor generates around 1 to 1.3 GW of electricity to power several hundred thousand homes.
When we speak of EMP or electromagnetic pulse, we’re referring to a physical phenomenon that occurs, among other things, during an exo-atmospheric nuclear explosion. This phenomenon generates an electric field that can exceed 50 kV/m over a wide perimeter, or even over 200 kV/m in extreme cases. Unprotected electronic equipment can then fail or be destroyed. In a non-nuclear version, a microwave gun seeks to reproduce this type of effect in a more localized and controlled way.
Geopolitical and military context
Directed-energy weapons are becoming increasingly important for the major powers. The United States has developed programs such as CHAMP (Counter-electronics High Power Microwave Advanced Missile Project). Tested around 2012, this missile emits microwaves capable of disabling the electronics of targeted sites, without direct lethal effects on people. China, for its part, is investing heavily in research into high-energy lasers, electronic warfare and microwave systems. The aim is to ensure a form of superiority, or at least to ward off new threats linked to military robotics, satellite reconnaissance and communication.
The intensive use of drones and satellites in recent conflicts has fuelled this interest. Armed forces now rely on swarms of small tactical drones, remotely operated vehicles and surveillance drones. In the space sector, the precision of strikes and missile guidance rely on satellite positioning and communications systems. Potential adversaries are therefore seeking to develop solutions to render these means less effective, or even inoperable, in the event of confrontation.
Comparison with the EMP of a nuclear weapon
A nuclear weapon used at high altitude generates an EMP that can reach levels in excess of 50,000 V/m, and even over 100,000 V/m in certain scenarios. This can disrupt a large power grid and cause massive damage over an entire territory, particularly if infrastructures have not been hardened against this type of effect.
In comparison, a 1 GW microwave cannon acts over a smaller area. However, it can be aimed at a specific target, such as a group of drones, a radar or a low-orbiting satellite. According to some specialists, the wave generated could neutralize fragile electronic circuits and interrupt communications instantly. The advantage, for the user, is no exposure to nuclear fallout or the international political condemnation associated with the use of an atomic weapon.
Strategic and tactical implications
The rise of these weapons calls into question the evolution of modern combat. Drones have demonstrated their effectiveness in many theaters, from the Ukraine to the Middle East. Thanks to their low cost (some tactical models cost a few thousand euros, compared with several million for a fighter jet), they are deployed in large numbers. Satellites, meanwhile, form the backbone of communications and surveillance. Rendering them inoperative would be a major asset for a player seeking to reduce an adversary’s technological superiority.
The introduction of a 1 GW microwave cannon will require a rethink of current strategies. UAV operators will have to invest in electromagnetic protection systems, such as specific armor or hardened components. Armies will have to consider more intense electronic warfare scenarios, and plan countermeasures to ensure the resilience of their critical equipment.
Means of protection against EMP
Techniques are available to reduce vulnerability to EMP, whether nuclear or non-nuclear in origin. Sensitive electronic components can be protected by shielded enclosures, often called Faraday cages. These are made of conductive materials such as copper or aluminum. Cables and connectors can be fitted with suitable filters to limit the intrusion of high voltages. Protective diodes or specialized surge arresters are also used to divert energy peaks.
On the other hand, the choice of electronic architecture can reduce damage. The use of military components, designed to withstand high transient voltages, is common in the aerospace industry. However, these options increase manufacturing costs. It is not uncommon for this type of shielding and electromagnetic hardening to increase the unit price of a drone system by several tens of thousands of euros. For a large fleet of UAVs, the overall bill can become substantial.
Future prospects
Directed-energy weapons programs are developing in several countries. In the United States, the US Air Force and DARPA are working to miniaturize microwave systems for integration on air or land vehicles. In Europe, industrial consortiums are working on coupling electronic warfare with point microwave emissions. Russia, already well advanced in electronic warfare, also seems to be taking an interest in this field to counter Western technological superiority.
These approaches complement other existing means of defense, such as laser cannons or anti-satellite missiles, whose aim is to deprive adversaries of their digital eyes and ears. Conflict zones, whether on land or at sea, are seeing the emergence of increasingly complex combinations of electronic countermeasures. In the near future, every new drone may have to incorporate advanced protection, so as not to be neutralized in a matter of microseconds.
Concrete examples and figures
- Project CHAMP (USA): during tests carried out in the early 2010s, this missile deactivated the electronic systems of a simulated complex, flying at an altitude of several hundred meters. The cost of the program has not been fully published, but estimates put it at several hundred million dollars (between 200 and 400 million euros at current exchange rates).
- China’s defense research budget: difficult to evaluate precisely, it nevertheless amounts to several tens of billions of euros per year (estimates are close to 80 to 90 billion euros for military R&D). Part of these funds is devoted to breakthrough technologies, including directed-energy weapons.
Consequences for conventional forces
Lessons learned from the emergence of drones and new-generation missiles show that military equipment has not disappeared despite these threats. Tanks, manned aircraft and ships are still present, but technological advances mean that new defensive systems have to be integrated. In the same way, a 1 GW microwave cannon will not mean the end of drones or satellites. However, we will need to reinforce the protection of these devices and provide rapid replacement plans in the event of their loss.
States that invest in nuclear deterrence will continue to do so, as nuclear weapons retain a strategic range superior to any other. However, this new generation of electromagnetic weapons introduces a range of intermediate threats, less catastrophic than a nuclear strike, but more concrete than simple radio jamming. Military doctrines could therefore turn to hybrid strategies, combining the power of nuclear intimidation with targeted actions on opposing electronics.
Legal and ethical considerations
International law does not specifically address the issue of microwave guns. The use of nuclear weapons is strictly regulated by treaties such as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Directed-energy weapons, on the other hand, remain in a grey area. If their purpose is to disable equipment, they could be justified as non-lethal weapons. However, in the event of mishandling or targeting errors, there is a risk of irreversible damage to civilian infrastructures (hospitals, power grids, transport).
From an ethical point of view, the idea of striking a country’s electronic infrastructure, without direct physical action, seems less violent than a kinetic operation. But if we take into account the interdependence of our societies, the prolonged disabling of power grids or air traffic control centers could threaten the daily lives of millions of people. The stakes therefore go beyond the purely military.
The development of a 1 GW microwave cannon, capable of locally recreating the effect of an EMP, reflects a clear interest in the instant neutralization of electronic systems. Drones and satellites, which have become indispensable in contemporary conflicts, are clearly targeted by this type of weapon. The world’s military powers are diversifying their deterrent and combat capabilities, focusing on directed-energy technologies and electronic warfare.
For defense industrialists and governments alike, it is urgent to assess the vulnerability of each component of their forces, in order to devise strategies to protect against these devastating impulses. This will involve electromagnetic shields, hardened components and redundancy plans. History shows that every new threat encourages the development of specific countermeasures. We are therefore witnessing the emergence of a form of technological competition focused on remote protection and neutralization. Drones and satellites will not disappear, but they will have to evolve to remain operational. In this context, the preparation and rapid adaptation of armed forces will remain decisive factors in maintaining a strategic advantage.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.