China blackout bomb: In a major development, China has introduced a new weapon that can bring an entire city’s power system to a halt without any explosion. This weapon, often called a graphite bomb, was revealed through an animated video released by China’s state broadcaster CCTV.
What Is a Blackout Bomb and How Does It Work?
The blackout bomb, also known as a graphite bomb, does not destroy buildings or harm people. Instead, it targets a nation’s power grid using carbon filaments that cause short circuits. These filaments disrupt electrical systems like transformers, substations, and high-voltage lines.
According to Chinese media, the bomb can cut off power in an area of 10,000 square meters (roughly 2.5 acres). Unlike traditional bombs, this one is considered a “soft bomb” as it does not cause visible destruction.
How the Blackout Bomb Is Deployed
The China blackout bomb works in four main steps:
- Launch Phase
The bomb is launched from a vehicle using a missile system. - Submunition Release
The missile releases 90 small cylindrical submunitions mid-air. - Filament Dispersion
These submunitions burst in the air, spreading carbon filaments through a chemical process. - Short-Circuit Impact
The filaments fall on power lines and electrical devices, causing short circuits that shut down the power supply.
The bomb has a range of 290 kilometers and a warhead weight of 490 kilograms. It mainly targets military substations and critical infrastructure.
Why This Weapon Is So Dangerous
In modern warfare, electricity and communication networks are vital for a nation’s defense and governance. If the power grid is taken out, hospitals, airports, military command centers, and digital systems can all stop working instantly.
The blackout bomb developed by China gives it the power to paralyze a country’s systems without using direct military force. That makes it a strategic game changer, especially in scenarios where countries aim to disable an enemy without causing civilian casualties.
Global Concerns About China’s New Weapon
Experts believe this weapon is a clear threat to rival countries like Taiwan and the United States. These countries rely heavily on connected digital infrastructure and electricity grids. Using a China blackout bomb, it’s possible to take down such systems in a single strike without dropping traditional explosives.
This weapon could soon become a central part of China’s military strategy, especially in cyber or electronic warfare. As a result, countries around the world may now invest more in protecting their electrical infrastructure from such silent attacks.
