China may have successfully brought down a drone using a potent electromagnetic pulse (EMP) in what could be its first demonstration of a new advanced weapon.
According to a South China Morning Post report, citing sources from the Chinese journal Electronic Information Warfare Technology, China recently tested its first EMP weapon at a classified date and location.
The latest experiment was reportedly conducted by the China Electronics Technology Group. The aircraft that was brought down was flying at 1,500 meters (4,920ft) above sea level when it was neutralized by the EMP attack.
The outlet also reported that China is researching an 80GW EMP weapon.
Electromagnetic Technology From Other Countries
China is one of several countries in the race for electromagnetic weapons and defense systems.
The US Navy had been developing an electromagnetic railgun for 15 years now but has halted work on the project indefinitely.
Russia is also working on electromagnetic technology. Dubbed “doomsday” planes, new units based on the Ilyushin Il-96-400M long-range airliner are expected to be resistant to nuclear shock waves and electromagnetic pulses.