Read More
A fortnight ago, while describing how missiles work in an article, I emphasized the vital importance of an effective defense system. I argued that it is probably better than an attack system, as it can ward off the offenders from any hostile attempts. The consequence of a powerful counterattack against an aggressors’ land could cause much more serious damage, which they would find hard to bear.
ADVERTISEMENT
SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT
As an example, China – during its military parade on September 3 – displayed many new attack and defense systems and equipment. Although no countries would exhibit their entire arsenal to the public, especially the latest versions of their most powerful weapons, what was shown at least demonstrates that the nation would definitely be able to defend itself from attack.
No detailed technical details of the military equipment were released at the parade, but one can estimate their ability by analyzing various videos posted on the internet by military experts. The list of weapons appears most impressive.
To begin, missiles designated DF-26 are improved versions of their mobile intermediate-level ballistic missiles with a 4,000 kilometer range. They have been dubbed “Guam Killer,” as they can potentially reach Guam and other locations within the same radius.
The DF-61 is a long-range solid fuel missile, secretly developed over the years from an earlier version of a similar designation. Its long-range capacity, helped by the lighter solid fuel it now carries, can allow it to reach intercontinental targets, including the United States.
The YJ-17 is a hypersonic anti-ship missile which can be launched from land or sea. It can traverse in an unpredictable path, making it difficult to intercept. If launched from the sea, it can easily hit aircraft carriers cruising at a great distance from the coast.
Much more unconventional compared with the above-described weapons, the application of newly developed high technology allows artificial intelligence-driven combat drones, dubbed “Loyal Wingman” drones, to be deployed. Flying alongside fighter and bomber aircraft, these drones can provide support by jamming sensors, acting as decoys, or even launching strikes when carrying missiles as their payload. A fleet of these drones can form a comprehensive attack and defense system which can completely protect a wide area of the coast.
Air defense lasers, mounted on long eight-wheeled trucks or on decks of warships, are another innovative and powerful defensive weapon. Using ultra high-power magnetic energy, a laser beam can hit a target and cause it to burn to destruction from a distance. It can disable optical sensors and destroy radar equipment, among other components. An additional advantage is that, unlike missiles or bombs that take time and money to manufacture and transport to the battlefield, these weapons only require electrical power to rearm. Hence, they will be much easier to operate and maintain for repeated combat activities.
Extra-large undersea drones, such as the AJX-002, are some 20 meters in length and 1.5 meters in diameter, with some larger variants equipped with two masts. The exact purposes of these weapons remain undisclosed, but we can assume that they can carry torpedoes, lay mines, or track submarines, with ability to stay underwater and away from sight for long periods of time. With their small size and without the need for naval officers to change operating shifts, they can be deployed at any time to track enemy submarines and ward them off long before they can get close to shore and cause concern.
Together with these large weapons are robot dogs and wolves, in addition to humanoids. When carrying guns, they can become powerful weapons for near-distance combat operations. They can also take over many soldiers’ duties. Capable of working at all hours and in the dark, they can charge ahead without the need for background lights and are not deterred by defending activities. Without human emotions, they can be much more fearsome than human soldiers. The successful deployment of these robots will significantly reduce injuries and casualties among troops, especially in rough terrain and during difficult assault operations.
The list of weapons revealed to the general public can already form a comprehensive system of tool kits that can fully protect the country’s borders and shores. The purpose is not particularly to take them to actual wars, but to deter any aggressors from starting one.
The urgent need to preserve peace in this turbulent world is paramount. Hopefully, an effective defense system serves to provide powerful and clear signals to potential foes and deter them from any hostile actions. As with nuclear weapons, the aim is to boast the ability to stage counterattacks at a most serious level. Nobody can afford the results of a war that could destroy their own country. Let us all hope these will effectively preserve some peace!
Veteran engineer Edmund Leung Kwong-ho casts an expert eye over features of modern life
