Leveling the Playing Field: China's Development of Advanced Energy Weapons
Abstract
China's aggressive development of advanced energy weapons and long-range delivery systems -- combined with an analysis of their strategic publications and discourse -- demonstrate their desire to develop an asymmetric first-strike warfare capability to counter United States military assets in the Pacific. With eleven nuclear powered aircraft carriers and their supporting battle groups, the United States Navy continues to possess the world's foremost power projection capabilities. Although the Chinese are attempting to develop a similar capability, they are many years away from being able to match the U.S. in controlling the seas with naval forces. The Chinese are attempting to bridge this capability gap with technological solutions in the form of directed energy and electromagnetic pulse weapons. Data suggests that China may seek to level the playing field by utilizing these weapons in a surprise attack scenario to counter superior U.S. capabilities and technology. This paper will update and review current and developing advanced energy weapons technologies while analyzing China's progress in these areas of endeavor and assessing their intentions in the Pacific.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 02, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA600453
Entities
People
- Brian P. Dennis
Organizations
- Marine Corps University