Swarming drones and counter-drone systems dazzle at China’s Zhuhai air show

The technology is regarded as crucial in any conflict over Taiwan and is a highlight for analysts attending the exhibition

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The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation displays an FK-4000 air defence weapons system (left) and FK-3000 at the Zhuhai air show. Photo: Hayley Wong

Hayley Wongin BeijingandAmber Wangin Beijing

Published: 2:01pm, 14 Nov 2024Updated: 5:23pm, 14 Nov 2024

Advanced drone combat swarms and the systems to counter them – deemed crucial in a possible war scenario over Taiwan – are among the new weapons on display at China’s giant air show in Zhuhai.

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation debuted its FK-4000 mobile air defence weapons system which uses high-power microwaves (HPM) to intercept the smallest, lightest drones down to micro unmanned aerial aircraft.

The FK-4000 features an antenna array that is about 8 metres (26ft) wide and capable of delivering microwave blasts to a distance of up to 3km (nearly 2 miles) in less than a second.

Microwaves are not only faster than traditional means of counter-attack, they are also basically invisible and can attack a bigger surface area, making them a more effective tool than lasers for large areas.

Also on show was an HPM system developed by Norinco Group, which features a microwave emitter array of about the same size as the FK-4000, with a tracking mount and a search and tracking integrated radar on top.

Another defence systems giant, China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC), has also incorporated the technology’s advantages into its Thunder Low-Altitude Defence System.