China is said to have developed the prototype of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) weapon system similar to a U.S. weapon called CHAMP that can destroy all electronic devices within its range. This Chinese system hasn't been weaponized, however.

Chinese propaganda claims this prototype microwave weapon, which has been under development for the past six years, can disable missiles and paralyze tanks by destroying the electronics devices needed to operate these weapons.

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It claims the prototype is "small enough to fit on a lab bench," and might be mounted on Chinese cruise missiles.

This Chinese weapon, and the U.S. CHAMP, indiscriminately bombard a target with electromagnetic radiation that disable or destroy integrated circuits.

The weapon copied by the Chinese, CHAMP is described by the Americans as a "first-day-of-war" weapon meant to destroy enemy command and control centers. The Americans expect to field this CHAMP, which stands for Counter-electronics High-powered Microwave Advanced Missile Project, by 2020.

They plan to mount CHAMP on a specially modified AGM-158B JASSM-ER (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range), a low observable standoff air-launched cruise missile currently in U.S. Air Force service.

The Air Force describes CHAMP as an air-launched directed-energy weapon in a multi-shot, multi-target, high-power microwave (HPM) package.

CHAMP destroys instead of jams enemy electronic warfare equipment and electronic systems. It's especially potent against and command and control centers totally dependent on electronics to do their job.

The EMP pulses generated by CHAMP overload electronic equipment faster than circuit breakers or surge protectors can respond to the massive surge of power. CHAMP is capable of up to 100 shots per sortie. Future iterations of CHAMP will see it mounted on hypervelocity missiles.

The CHAMP cruise missile can be launched at stand-off distances by manned fighters such as the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and the Northrop Grumman B-2 strategic stealth bomber, or by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or aerial drones.

Tagschina, electromagnetic pulse, EMP, EMP, Counter-electronics High-powered Microwave Advanced Missile Project, CHAMP, AGM-158B JASSM-ER