Beijing (Agencies): China has unveiled a cutting-edge “Blackout Bomb,” a non-lethal weapon capable of disabling entire power grids without causing physical destruction. Disclosed through state broadcaster CCTV, the weapon is believed to function as a graphite bomb, dispersing carbon filaments mid-air to short-circuit high-voltage electrical infrastructure across areas exceeding 10,000 square meters.
Launched from a land-based platform with an estimated range of 290 km and a 490 kg warhead, the bomb releases 90 submunitions that target enemy grids with pinpoint precision. Analysts view the technology as a key addition to China’s growing non-kinetic warfare capabilities, particularly in a geopolitical climate marked by tensions over Taiwan.
Military experts suggest the weapon could serve to paralyze command-and-control systems or civilian infrastructure early in a conflict without triggering direct physical retaliation. While China hasn’t officially designated it a graphite bomb, its tactical specifications echo similar systems used by NATO in previous conflicts.
Defense commentators warn that the deployment of such systems highlights the increasing sophistication of non-destructive but highly disruptive warfare, blurring lines between traditional combat and electronic aggression.