Chinese scientists claim they have developed an advanced directed-energy weapon capable of focusing multiple high-powered microwave (HPM) beams onto a single target. Dubbed a “converged energy beam” weapon, it draws comparisons to the iconic Death Star from Star Wars for its ability to concentrate energy with precision. This breakthrough, if successful, could provide China with a powerful tool for disrupting sensitive electronic components such as radar systems, computers, communication networks, and even missiles and satellites.
Traditional methods to counter threats, such as interceptor missiles, come at a high cost and can cause collateral damage. In contrast, directed-energy weapons like this can operate at a lower cost and minimize unintended harm, making them potentially viable for deployment in politically sensitive areas. The development of HPM technology has been challenging due to the need for precise synchronisation between microwave beams. To function effectively, microwave-producing components, known as “vehicles,” must be synchronized within an error margin no greater than 170 picoseconds—equivalent to trillionths of a second. This level of precision is far beyond that of current atomic clocks used in GPS systems.
Chinese scientists report they have achieved this ultra-high time precision by connecting microwave-transmitting vehicles with optical fibers, thereby enabling them to reach a combined power output beyond the sum of individual beams, in a phenomenon they describe as “1+1>2.”
China’s claims suggest that this technology could allow them to disrupt American GPS and satellite signals, potentially providing tactical advantages in military training and operations. Last year, Chinese researchers also reported achieving a synchronization precision of 10 picoseconds over 1,800 km (1,100 miles), setting a foundation for this current advancement.
While details of this weapon remain classified, experts suggest China’s directed-energy programs are designed to counter specific U.S. capabilities, particularly those reliant on sensors and precision technology. With microwave beam weapons likely aimed at space platforms and lasers intended for terrestrial or aerial use, this technology underscores China’s focus on advancing space-based and electronic warfare capabilities.