China has announced a significant breakthrough in its secretive high-power microwave weapon program, claiming the system survived firing thousands of intense pulses in a recent test.
Named the Hurricane-3000, the microwave weapon is reportedly capable of generating electromagnetic pulses of up to 80,000 volts, comparable to the force of a nuclear explosion.
This immense power would disrupt or destroy electronic components in enemy weapon systems, including large swarms of drones.
During the test, the Hurricane-3000 allegedly fired more than 5,000 full-power pulses and endured the blasts without any sign of malfunction.
According to a team of Chinese scientists, the weapon’s waveform remained unchanged despite the intense firing, marking a major milestone in its development.
If confirmed, this achievement could indicate that Beijing has overcome a significant technical challenge in creating a powerful directed energy weapon.
No Definite Timeline
The Hurricane-3000 was developed by China’s North Industries Group Corporation (NORINCO) to counter the growing threat posed by drone swarms.
It was first revealed at the Zhuhai Airshow in November 2024.
The weapon utilizes phased-array transmission technology to precisely focus energy emissions, extending its range and amplifying its damage effects.
This technology also enables the system to target multiple threats simultaneously.
Surviving multiple firings has been a critical hurdle for the Hurricane-3000, as the intense pulses it generates could potentially damage or destroy the weapon itself.
Despite the reported success, developers have stated that the weapon is not yet ready for immediate deployment and will undergo further testing.
Race With US
China and the US are currently engaged in a race to develop advanced microwave weapons, each aiming to gain a strategic advantage in modern warfare.
In 2023, the US Army received a prototype of a high-powered microwave weapon from Epirus for evaluation and testing.
Washington and Tokyo have also announced plans to collaborate on developing a new microwave weapon designed to defend against hostile drones.
Last year, the US Navy revealed that it plans to conduct live-fire tests of its own microwave weapon system on one of its vessels by 2026.
