China's state broadcaster CCTV recently aired an animated video, indicating once again a serious development in the country’s military capabilities. The footage claims that the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation — a contractor of the Ministry of Defense — has developed a new type of high-precision weapon.
The animation shows a missile being launched from a ground platform, which ascends and splits into over 90 cylindrical combat elements. Upon falling to the ground, these elements detonate, while simultaneously dispersing chemically treated carbon fibers into the air. These special fibers are designed to cause short circuits in high-voltage electrical networks, potentially leading to large-scale blackouts in the targeted area.
According to South China Morning Post, this type of weapon can disable the power supply over an area of at least 10,000 square meters. While CCTV described the weapon as a “mysterious type of domestic missile,” no official name or technical specifications were disclosed. Experts, however, believe it matches the characteristics of what’s known as a graphite bomb.
The concept of disabling enemy infrastructure — particularly electrical grids — has long been a part of military strategies. During World War II, the UK used balloon bombs with hanging cables against Germany. Later, the US developed the BLU-114/B graphite bomb, which carried conductive filaments capable of causing massive short circuits.
Graphite bombs were first used by the US in 1991 during the Gulf War against Iraq, disabling around 85% of the country’s power supply. Similar tactics were employed in Serbia in 1999 and Kabul in 2003.
China’s move is being seen not only as a military development but also as part of an escalating geopolitical power competition. Targeting electrical infrastructure isn't just an act of war — it has the potential to paralyze entire civilian populations.
Experts warn that such weapons could significantly affect civilian life — from blacked-out cities and inoperable hospitals to crippled transportation systems — pushing entire regions into chaos.
This move shows China’s ambitions are not limited to economics and technology; it is also stepping up in the domain of modern warfare. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!
Ctrl
Enter
Did you find a Mistake?
Highlight the phrase and press Ctrl+Enter Related News
