China has achieved a significant breakthrough with its TPG1000C high-power microwave weapon system, successfully miniaturizing the drive source while maintaining pulse emission capability for up to one minute. According to Chinese military expert Qiu Shiqing, this advancement will provide China with crucial means to secure “spectrum dominance” on complex electromagnetic battlefields, enabling the weapon to not only disrupt or destroy low-earth orbit satellites but also demonstrate tremendous combat potential against drone swarms and the United States’ full-spectrum warfare systems.
Developed by the Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, the TPG1000C has become the world’s first high-power microwave weapon capable of continuously emitting pulses for one minute. This compact device measures only four meters in length and weighs five tons, capable of releasing up to 20 gigawatts of power over sixty seconds. It can be mounted on trucks, warships, aircraft, or even satellites, and can interfere with or damage low-earth orbit satellites, including Starlink satellites. The system can fire up to 3,000 high-energy pulses per session, significantly outperforming similar systems that previously operated for no more than three seconds.
The breakthrough centers on miniaturizing the drive source using a compact Tesla transformer capable of achieving 20GW maximum output power with minimal pulse fluctuation and a maximum repetition frequency of 50Hz. Qiu emphasizes this achievement is highly significant for China’s ability to establish spectrum dominance on the battlefield. High-power microwave weapons offer cost-effective, reusable advantages in electronic warfare and counter-drone operations. Experts believe these weapons possess enormous potential for future warfare, particularly in countering American full-spectrum warfare systems by disrupting battlefield perception, command, and communication capabilities.
Source: Sputnik News, February 10, 2026
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