China has unveiled a breakthrough maritime air defense system to combat hypersonic weapons and UAVs

 

In the April issue of the Chinese defense magazine Modern Weaponry, a new development was presented — a prototype of a naval air defense system designed to repel a wide range of threats, including hypersonic anti-ship missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, including swarms. attacks .

This system, according to Chinese experts, represents  the world's first approach to integrated terminal ship protection, combining elements of microwave weapons, rapid-fire anti-aircraft guns and a high-precision radar tracking system. This integrated solution makes it possible to effectively intercept targets at the final stage of their attack, when traditional air defense systems often turn out to be helpless.

The creation of this system was a logical step in China's efforts to modernize its naval forces. In recent years, the Celestial Empire has been actively developing technologies to counter high-speed precision weapons, which are increasingly being used both in theoretical scenarios and in real conflicts.  

Previously, such complexes as FK-4000, equipped with antenna arrays to combat inconspicuous targets, and Bullet Curtain, capable of forming a "wall of projectiles" to repel massive attacks, have already been presented. The new system will be an important addition to these solutions, creating a multi-level air defense model suitable for use both on ships and on the coast.

Given the tensions in the South China Sea and possible clashes with American military groups, the development of powerful air defense systems is a strategic priority of China. This is especially relevant in light of the emergence of new types of weapons, such as the Russian Zircon or similar Western hypersonic missiles, which endanger even the most modern ships if they are not adequately protected.

Thus, the new air defense system is not just a technological breakthrough, but also an important element of China's defense capability, aimed at ensuring the safety of its surface forces in the era of smart combat drones and hypersound.