Jufeng-3000 microwave combat system for the PLA
The Jufeng-3000 system in position. Still from a 2024 promotional video.
In recent years, China's defense industry has been actively developing weapons based on so-called new physical principles. Specifically, specialized microwave combat systems capable of suppressing or damaging target electronics are being developed. Such technology is proposed for use against unmanned aerial vehicles. aviation and other threats. The largest representative of this class of equipment at present is the "Jufeng-3000."
Equipment for the exhibition
The creation of microwave weapons A number of Chinese organizations and enterprises are involved in this field. They regularly present various developments in this class. For example, in November 2024, at the Airshow China exhibition in Zhuhai, three new systems for countering enemy electronics were unveiled for the first time.
Two such systems were reportedly developed through a collaboration between China South Industries Group (CSGC) and NORINCO Corporation. They were given the common name "Jufeng" (Hurricane). Furthermore, the designations included numbers indicating the estimated target engagement range.
The larger model was designated the "Jufeng-3000." It was displayed at the exhibition in an unfolded configuration, demonstrating how it would operate in combat. Next to it was the "Jufeng-2000," which used a different chassis and carried different equipment.
On the eve of the exhibition, NORINCO and CSGC released a promotional video showcasing their latest developments in the field DefenseIt included, among other things, footage of the Jufeng microwave systems. They showed the systems being deployed at a test site and their use against unmanned targets.
The antennas are moved into working position
The developers did not specify the current status of the new projects or how soon the army would receive such equipment. However, the published data indicated that two systems were already undergoing testing and were gradually moving toward operational acceptance.
Cars on parade
On September 3, 2025, a military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II took place in Beijing. A mechanized column of modern and advanced military equipment was on display during the parade. Specifically, three Jufeng-3000 missiles, along with other air defense systems, paraded through Tiananmen Square.
Judging by its appearance at the parade, the promising microwave system has already reached at least field trials or pilot operation in the army. It also cannot be ruled out that the Juifeng-3000 has already completed the necessary checks and officially entered service with the ground air defense forces.
The People's Liberation Army of China and the developers have not yet disclosed the current status of the new system or its deployment plans. However, they are already beginning to share some interesting information.
In early January, the Chinese online publication Guancha published an interview with a NORINCO representative. Yu Jianjun described the basic operating principles of the Jufeng-3000 system, as well as its key characteristics and intended applications. More details are now expected to be released.
Near-air defense
The Juifeng-3000 system is designed for use in layered air defense systems. It is considered the last line of interception/suppression and is intended to target targets that have managed to penetrate other defense layers.
The Uragan-3000 is designed as a combat vehicle equipped with all necessary instruments and equipment. It is based on the four-axle Shaanxi SX2306, a vehicle widely used by the PLA. A large rectangular body housing the necessary components is mounted behind the standard cabin.
The vehicle chassis allows the system to quickly move from one position to another, either on roads or across terrain. However, combat operations are only conducted from a stationary position. Before deploying the microwave system, the vehicle is raised on hydraulic jacks. However, at the parade, the systems were displayed deployed, with their antennas raised.
In the center of the hull is a telescopic support with a rotating mechanism. The main antenna, which emits electromagnetic pulses, is pivotally mounted on it. Additionally, a hydraulic mast with a radar antenna is mounted on the support. When stowed, all antennas fold, allowing the large main antenna to lie flat on the roof of the hull. Before combat, the microwave emitter antenna is raised to a preset angle.
According to published data, the Jufeng-3000 monitors the air situation using its own radar. Its rotating antenna enables detection of small and medium-sized UAVs at ranges of up to 5-6 km. Radar data is used to guide and deploy its primary microwave "weapon."
Combat microwave systems on parade, September 3, 2025.
Having detected a target, the system generates and directs an electromagnetic pulse toward it. The pulse's nominal power reaches several megawatts with a minimal duration. These pulses damage and disable the electronics of typical targets at ranges of up to 3 km. Depending on the nature of the threat, single pulses or bursts can be emitted. However, the possible rate of fire and other important parameters are, for obvious reasons, not being disclosed.
Electromagnetic pulses are generated by a phased array antenna. It can engage targets within a fairly wide horizontal and elevation sector. If necessary, the antenna can be mechanically adjusted. The phased array allows for attacking both individual objects and groups of targets.
Based on new principles
Thus, Chinese industry has succeeded in developing and, at the very least, completing testing and exhibitions of a full-scale microwave air defense system. It is quite possible that the Jufeng-3000, along with other developments in this class, have already found application in PLA units, strengthening their defenses.
Such technology is of obvious interest to the military, which could use it to gain new air defense capabilities. These capabilities and advantages are primarily related to a new principle of attacking air targets. In a number of situations, microwave systems should demonstrate significant advantages over traditional ones. artillery и missile systems, and also successfully complement them.
Thus, its mobile design allows the system to quickly change positions or accompany troops during their deployment. Furthermore, the Uragans must operate in conjunction with other anti-aircraft systems capable of independent movement.
The unmanned target was successfully suppressed.
The microwave system is being considered as one of the assets of a layered air defense system. It is designed to detect and engage targets that have managed to penetrate the coverage area of other systems. Given the specific nature of UAVs and the nature of such threats, it can be assumed that the Jufeng-3000 will significantly improve the overall effectiveness of such air defense systems.
Significant advantages are expected to be achieved through the chosen method of targeting. Depending on the selected operating mode and power, the system is capable of suppressing or fatally damaging UAV electronics. Furthermore, the Jufeng-3000 can engage multiple targets simultaneously. The system is claimed to be capable of countering entire swarms of aerial objects.
The system uses electricity generated by an integrated generator. This allows it to operate for extended periods and is not limited by the size of its ammunition load, as is the case with missile or artillery systems. Furthermore, the Uragan is only tasked with finishing off remaining targets, further reducing its workload.
A modern solution
It's worth remembering that the world's leading countries have been working on combat microwave systems for quite some time. Prototypes of such equipment were built and tested, but they never made it beyond the testing ranges. However, the situation has now changed. New aerial threats have emerged, requiring special measures.
Small and medium-sized unmanned aircraft have proven challenging targets for traditional air defense systems. Meanwhile, electronic warfare and microwave systems have had a chance to demonstrate their potential. Such systems are being developed in various countries, and some are showing some success.
Thus, China developed several microwave systems, and they were already in the process of being deployed. Thanks to the Jufeng-3000 system, the Chinese military has gained new capabilities and, moreover, has become a world leader in a promising field. Whether this success can be built upon remains to be seen.
Information