China intends to develop a defense system armed with lasers and hypersonic weapons, designed to neutralize enemy drone swarms.
In the realm of modern warfare, a new defense architecture is taking shape, designed to protect warships from the growing threat of drone swarm attacks. This system, being referred to as a 'digital-age Great Wall', is the brainchild of researchers in China, led by Professor Guo Chuanfu and his team at the PLA Navy's Dalian Naval Academy.
The defense architecture is multidimensional, intelligent, and layered, using a fused network of satellite, airborne, shipborne, and sea-surface sensors. These sensors work in concert to maintain continuous tracking of fast-moving, low-signature targets, providing warships with real-time data to dynamically reassign sensors and weapons.
However, the biggest challenge for this proposed system is the cost. While the drones themselves may be relatively inexpensive, using million-dollar missiles to shoot them down is economically unsustainable. This cost ratio, as calculated by the authors of a recent paper, could favour the attacker by a staggering 700:1.
The system proposes a solution to this issue in the form of a 'dynamic kill net' using software-defined networking and human-machine teaming. This approach allows for a more targeted and efficient use of resources, potentially reducing the cost of defending against drone swarms.
The defense architecture also includes integration of cutting-edge technologies such as lasers, microwave beams, and hypersonic missiles. These additions are intended to provide a versatile and robust response to various types of drone attacks.
Despite the challenges, the potential impact of this defense architecture is significant. An attack by thousands of drones can overwhelm the defense system of traditional warships, potentially causing considerable damage. Moreover, these attacks could help destroy stealth warships, as their defense systems could be vulnerable to large-scale drone attacks.
In a world where drone technology is becoming increasingly accessible, this defense architecture could play a key role in future warfare. Elsewhere, the Latvian Navy has announced the development of a similar system, planned for delivery by 2027. As the threat of drone swarm attacks continues to grow, it is clear that innovative solutions like these will be crucial in maintaining the safety and security of naval forces.
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