China is testing a combat laser to combat satellites
Proposed laser complex. Two hangars (top and bottom) have an open roof
The Chinese defense industry is actively studying and developing the direction of the so-called. weapons on new physical principles. Samples of this kind are brought to field tests and are approaching the start of full-fledged operation. So, it recently became known that a full-size combat laser was built and operates at one of the training grounds, suitable for combating enemy space reconnaissance.
View from space
In 2003, the Korla test site began operating in central China. According to known data, it was built in the interests of special structures of the People's Liberation Army and was intended for closed tests. In the mid-XNUMXs, the object was transferred to the Strategic Support Forces, which are responsible for military space activities, various types of intelligence, etc.
The Korla training ground naturally attracts the attention of foreign intelligence agencies and other structures. Attempts are being made to obtain information about its use and ongoing work. For obvious reasons, the only source of data on the range and objects on it are optical and electronic intelligence satellites.
Together with other organizations, the American commercial satellite operator BlackSky monitors the test site. Its constellation includes 16 satellites with photographic equipment placed in optimal orbits. Unlike some competitors, BlackSky can shoot and receive images within hours of receiving a request.
From late April to early June 2022, BlackSky satellites were on almost constant watch over the Chinese test site and took two hundred images. Due to this, the shooting customers were able to find out not only the current state of the objects, but also observe them in dynamics. This helped to draw important conclusions.
Until recently, no such survey of the Korla test site was reported. Just a few days ago, on May 1, the Army Technology publication published several images from BlackSky and drew attention to the new facilities of the test site. In addition, the publication received comments from representatives of the US military and the intelligence community.
In general, we are talking about the deployment of weapons based on new physical principles. With its help, the PLA will be able to attack enemy space groups. In addition, new research complexes have been built to test promising technologies and samples.
Hangars with lasers
Of greatest interest in satellite images is a large stationary complex of several structures located on one of the sites. It is assumed that it includes combat lasers with special capabilities and high performance. However, the presence of lasers is only assumed and has only indirect evidence.
The combat laser complex includes three large hangars with movable roofs, around which there are smaller structures. The quality of the images does not allow us to draw unambiguous conclusions, but it is assumed that there are laser installations under the movable roof sections. Accordingly, the buildings around accommodate various auxiliary equipment.
Army Technology notes that hangar roofs open around noon. It was at this time, due to optimal lighting and other favorable factors, that the main activity of foreign satellite reconnaissance was observed over the test site. Accordingly, combat lasers can be on duty awaiting orders to suppress spacecraft.
Another circumstantial evidence of the deployment of combat lasers was present in a recent alleged leak of documents from the Pentagon. As reported, one of those papers mentioned Chinese projects of systems for suppressing and intercepting control of alien satellites. Such means are primarily designed to protect against reconnaissance from space.
Secret objects
Apparently, not only laser technologies are being researched at the Korla test site. A few kilometers away from the movable roof hangars is a complex for experiments with electromagnetic radiation. It includes a flat platform of polygonal shape, above which U-shaped support trusses are placed. At one end there is a building with several floors. Around there are access roads and ancillary buildings.
Site for electromagnetic pulse research
A complex of this type can be used to study electromagnetic pulses and their effects on various objects and products. A number of other countries that are actively developing this area have similar facilities. For what purpose the test object is used is unknown. Studies of electromagnetic pulses can be performed in the interests of any military branches, incl. and for the Strategic Support Forces.
As it turned out, Korla is also a kind of airfield. A boathouse of great height and area was noticed at the site. At the time of shooting, there was an airship on the taxiway not far from him. Obviously, the latter is used as an air carrier for various equipment capable of being in the air for a long time, incl. hang in one place.
Suppression and other tasks
Among the objects again seen at the Korla training ground, the most interesting is the full-size combat laser system. Its composition, characteristics and purpose are unknown, but even the available information allows some estimates to be made. It can be assumed that this complex is experienced, but it is quite capable of carrying out full-fledged duty and working in the interests of various branches of the military.
According to foreign media and experts, the new Chinese laser is an anti-satellite weapon. This is indicated by its placement in the hangar, which allows "shooting" only in the upper hemisphere. At the same time, the stationary design indicates the high power of the energy systems and the laser itself. Due to this, various tasks can be solved, and with high efficiency.
First of all, a combat laser can be considered as a means of suppressing optical reconnaissance satellites. Upon receipt of the appropriate order, the complex should aim at the designated target and send a beam to it. Depending on the radiation power, it is possible to temporarily disable the optics or completely damage its key elements. The high power provided by stationary means of power supply makes it possible to expand the range of action and the permissible height of the orbits of target satellites.
High-power lasers are now also considered as a full-fledged fire weapon capable of destroying a target structure. Whether the new Chinese complex has such capabilities is unknown. Their presence depends on a number of factors, primarily on technical characteristics, which are still unknown.
Boathouse and airship (left)
The combat laser complex can also interact with other anti-satellite assets. So, it is suitable for use as a target designator for missiles with a semi-active homing head. In addition, an alternative method of target designation is proposed: the laser must heat the target structure, making it visible to infrared seekers.
Attention should also be paid to the placement of the laser complex. Now he is at the training ground, and we are probably talking about a prototype. With its help, they work out new technologies and evaluate their real prospects.
At the same time, the experimental complex is capable of performing real tasks. Various events are held at the Korla training ground, which should be hidden from prying eyes. A combat laser with an optical suppression function is suitable for use in protecting the range from reconnaissance. However, in peacetime, such use can have negative consequences at the international level.
In the future, similar complexes can be deployed in other regions of China. First of all, they should appear in the position areas of the Strategic Missile Forces and cover the missile launchers. It is also possible to use similar systems to cover large naval bases, strategically important areas of the country, etc.
New developments
China already has some experience in the development of combat laser systems and continues to develop this direction. Another result of this process in the form of a full-size complex with several laser systems was noticed a year ago at one of the test sites. Apparently, by that time he had already passed full-fledged tests. It is not known how far the project has progressed since then, but it could be serious progress.
If foreign assessments and assumptions are at least partially correct, then the PLA has at its disposal a completely new and effective means for the defense of important installations. It is possible that similar systems will be deployed in other areas in the near future, which will improve the protection of military infrastructure from intelligence and other threats.
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