What is China’s latest Microwave weapon that destroys Starlink satellites? | World News

China has announced that it has developed a high-power microwave (HPM) system that could disrupt satellite networks such as SpaceX’s Starlink.

According to a report by South China Morning Post, the Northwest China Institute of Nuclear Technology in Xi’an, Shaanxi, has detected that the outstanding TPG1000Cs device may pose a threat to Starlink.

This compact, high-power microwave (HPM) drive delivers a staggering 20 gigawatts of power for a full minute and is potentially the first of its kind in the world.

TPG1000Cs are only 4 meters long and weigh 5 tonnes, making them compact enough for trucks, warships, aircraft or satellites.

Chinese experts predict that a ground-based version exceeding 1GW could cripple Starlink satellites in low Earth orbit.

Unlike previous systems that were limited to 3-second bursts and bulky designs, this system maintains output for much longer.

What are Microwave Guns?

High-power microwave weapons have recently increased military interest as cost-effective and sustainable alternatives to conventional missiles and guns.

These directed energy weapons produce powerful pulses that trigger excessive currents in circuits, overloading and frying semiconductors, antennas, or integrated chips without physical projectiles.

The core setup includes a pulsed power supply, a microwave generator like a magnetron, and a directional antenna to focus the beam at the speed of light.

These high-powered microwave weapons target specific frequencies to deliver precise electronic disruptions over longer distances. Its broad-spectrum attacks against unknown systems are ideal for drones or swarms.

The changing face of modern warfare

The face of war has changed completely in recent times. The recent US Operation Absolute Resolve against Venezuela in early January opened up the debate about high-powered microwave weapons.

The US President also announced that the US has a new secret weapon called ‘Discombobulator’. The weapon combines high-power microwave pulses to disable electronics such as radars and missile guidance through surge currents that freeze semiconductors without causing physical damage.

Similar claims emerged following the Galwan clash between Indian and Chinese troops in 2020, that China used a high-powered microwave weapon during the Galwan Valley clash with India on June 15, but Indian officials dismissed them as fake news.

But now, with the recently revealed facts, the demand to have high-power microwave weapons has increased rapidly.

To counter drone swarms, China has developed advanced high-power microwave weapons such as the Hurricane 3000, a truck-mounted high-power microwave (HPM) weapon system developed by Norinco.

Now TPG1000Cs, which have the capacity to destroy Starlink Satellites, which China has repeatedly described as a ‘threat to national security’, are coming into play.

Unlike previous HPM technology, which was limited to 3-second bursts at 1GW, this keeps output 10 times higher, allowing effective ground-based attacks on low-Earth orbit satellites like Starlink by frying electronics.