Chinese researchers have unveiled the world’s first electronic warfare system based on 6G technology, capable of disabling the radar of an F-35 stealth fighter within seconds. This cutting-edge system employs a next-generation signal processing mechanism that reportedly surpasses current military radar systems in power and efficiency.
China has long been at the forefront of 6G development. According to the South China Morning Post, the country holds the largest number of 6G-related patents globally. The new 6G-based weapon project is led by Professor Deng Lei of Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Together with his team, Deng has developed a system that introduces unprecedented capabilities in signal jamming and communications disruption.
This 6G-based combat system is designed to target modern radar technologies such as the AN/APG-85 radar developed by Northrop Grumman, which is used in F-35 fighter jets and operates in the X-band at frequencies of up to 12 GHz. Unlike traditional countermeasure systems that struggle against such advanced technologies, this new 6G weapon can generate over 3,600 false targets, effectively misleading radar operators and pilots. In addition to jamming capabilities, the system also functions as a ground-based interference platform and a high-speed communications hub. It’s capable of transmitting large volumes of battlefield data to over 300 platforms simultaneously via optical fiber connections.
The researchers emphasize that this is the world’s first publicly confirmed system to combine simultaneous single-frequency full-duplex communication with signal jamming capabilities. In a paper published in Acta Optica Sinica, they explain that the advancement of 6G technology is driving the integration of communication, radar, and electronic warfare systems. The proposed solution stands out for its high data retention quality, strong resistance to interference, and efficient signal transmission – all within a compact, multifunctional design. According to the authors, this marks a revolutionary step forward in the future of electronic warfare.
A key component of the system is its use of microwave photonic elements, which combine photons and electrons to overcome the limitations of traditional electronics. Unlike conventional systems that typically perform just one function at a time, this 6G-based device integrates sensing, signal analysis, and data transmission – all while maintaining low power consumption. Its compact design brings together capabilities that previously required a large array of hardware, streamlining them into a more efficient and simplified architecture.
Professor Deng Lei and his team have developed a photonic core with a three-dimensional structure that integrates several advanced components: a dual-polarization IQ modulator for both signal processing and jamming, an active fiber-optic loop to introduce delays and accurately replicate false targets, and an intelligent carrier frequency reconstruction method designed to deceive radar systems. Despite these advancements, the team acknowledges that current 6G technology still faces the challenge of balancing simplified hardware design with increased functionality.
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The researchers’ next steps involve reducing the number of components and lowering power consumption, while simultaneously improving signal quality and processing efficiency. According to the South China Morning Post, the project has received support from the Chinese government, military bodies, and tech companies, with funding estimated at around $10 million. The team’s goal is not only to strengthen China’s leadership in 6G technology, but also to usher in a new era in the development of military systems.
Source: Interestingengineering
