Chinese researchers have revealed the creation of a revolutionary electronic warfare system that uses 6G technology, the first publicly announced weapon in the world to have the ability to communicate and jam at the same frequency.
A study published in the Chinese journal Acta Optica Sinica suggests that this sophisticated system will use the ultra-high speed and low-latency capabilities of 6G to interfere with the operations of the enemy. Scientists say it has the capacity to disrupt advanced radar systems, disrupt relays, and launch thousands of decoy signals—effectively disorienting pilots of modern fighter jets such as the U.S.-made F-35.
The weapon is also a high-capacity communication system and can transmit huge amounts of data within milliseconds. Researchers observed that convergence of communications, radar, and electronic warfare is being enabled by the evolution of 6G technology.
The 6G networks will offer a data rate of up to 100 Gbps and a latency of less than 1 millisecond due to the application of hybrid microwave-photonic systems. Such systems merge the advantages of photons and electrons, enabling very efficient signal processing.
One of the most important developments in this field is the integrated microwave photonic filter (IMPF), which allows compact, reconfigurable, and low-power radio frequency communications. These filters have a wide bandwidth, low signal loss, and high anti-interference performance compared to conventional microwave systems, and real-time jamming and communication can be achieved on the same platform.
The device of the Chinese team demonstrates the integrated communication-jamming capabilities in a miniature form, being the best in signal storage, transmission, and disruption. Nevertheless, researchers did not ignore existing issues, including the need to balance system simplification and functional expansion. Future research will focus on minimizing the number of components and energy consumption and maximizing signal performance.
This technological leap not only underscores China’s dominance in 6G research—with the highest number of global patents—but also signals a new era in electronic warfare, where high-speed communication and tactical disruption converge on a single chip.
