A group of scientists from China’s top military technology research institution is making waves with a groundbreaking development in defensive technology. They are working on creating a plasma-based energy shield, reminiscent of the shields seen in science fiction, to protect China’s drones, missiles, and other weaponry from high-powered microwave attacks.
The energy shield, composed of electrically charged ions, is designed to spring into action when faced with radiation, converting the attacker’s energy into a defensive force. This innovative approach aims to provide a robust defense against modern technology’s vulnerability to high-powered microwaves, which can wreak havoc on sensitive circuits and electronic systems.
Chen Zongsheng, an associate researcher at the State Key Laboratory of Pulsed Power Laser Technology at the National University of Defence Technology, is leading the team behind this cutting-edge technology. Their ‘low-temperature plasma shield’ has shown promising results in laboratory tests, demonstrating its ability to protect sensitive circuits from electromagnetic weapon bombardments with up to 170kW at a distance of only three meters.
According to a peer-reviewed paper published in the Journal of National University of Defence Technology, the team is now focused on developing miniaturized devices to bring this technology to life. The research has been driven by the increasing pressure from the United States, which has been investing heavily in high-power microwave weapons, including the Active Denial System, Vigilant Eagle system, and AGM-86 cruise missile carrying a high-power microwave warhead.
Chen’s team emphasized the critical importance of defending the electronic information system of the People’s Liberation Army, highlighting the potential implications for future warfare if such systems were compromised. They stressed that even the most advanced weapons and gear could be rendered ineffective if the electronic information system were to be compromised, underscoring the urgency of developing advanced defensive technologies.
