China Reveals Weapons to Destroy Power Grids

China has revealed details of a new weapon designed to disable power grids by dispersing carbon filaments, according to a recent report by China’s state broadcaster.

A video released by CCTV on June 26 shows what appears to be a new type of graphite bomb, designed to knock out enemy electricity infrastructure across areas up to 10,000 square meters. The weapon, reportedly launched from a ground-based vehicle, carries a 490-kilogram warhead and a range of 290 kilometers.

Upon detonation, the munition releases 90 cylindrical submunitions that scatter chemically treated carbon threads, creating short circuits in high-voltage power lines and substations. The resulting effect is a complete loss of electricity within the targeted zone, disrupting command and control systems.

The video was posted on a social media account affiliated with CCTV, which called the system a “mysterious type of domestically made missile.” No designation or deployment status was disclosed. The report cited China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), a key defense contractor under the Ministry of National Defence.

Though not explicitly named, the weapon’s properties closely match those of graphite bombs—non-lethal munitions used to incapacitate power systems without destroying physical infrastructure.

Military commentators have previously described such weapons as tools to paralyze enemy systems indirectly. Chen Chundi, a defense analyst writing for Modern Ships in 2017, said graphite bombs could be used to disrupt C4ISR networks and bypass fortified installations.

Chen noted that earlier Chinese graphite bombs were less powerful, with smaller warheads and coverage. He also suggested that modern variants might use wind-corrected munitions dispensers (WCMD) guided by BeiDou satellites for improved accuracy.

There has been online speculation about the weapon's intended use, including possible application against Taiwan’s energy infrastructure in a cross-strait conflict.

The use of graphite bombs is not new. The U.S. military deployed them during operations in Iraq and Kosovo, where they were credited with disabling large portions of national power grids, significantly impacting military and government operations.

While the current Chinese system’s operational status remains unclear, the public display suggests ongoing interest in electromagnetic and infrastructure-targeted warfare.