CHAMP Missile Unleashed: Silent Power That Could Crush North Korean and Iranian Nukes

In a groundbreaking move, the U.S. Air Force has recently deployed a missile utilizing high-power microwave technology to neutralize electronic equipment at nuclear facilities in North Korea and Iran, according to a report by the British Daily Mail. This missile, known as CHAMP (Counter-Electronics High Power Microwave Advanced Missile Project), has drawn significant global attention from military authorities due to its innovative approach to electronic warfare.

CHAMP operates by emitting high-energy microwaves, functioning on the same principle as a household microwave oven but on a far more powerful scale. Its primary mission is to disable enemy electronic systems—such as ground-based nuclear facilities, missile command centers, and even the circuits within missiles themselves—without causing physical destruction to the buildings or loss of life. This capability positions CHAMP as a “quiet missile,” a term reflecting its ability to disrupt electronic infrastructure without the visible explosions associated with conventional weaponry.

The missile turns enemy electronic facilities and devices into useless debris.

Developed through a collaboration between the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory and Boeing’s Phantom Works, CHAMP underwent its first successful test in 2012. The missile’s operational deployment aligns with President Joe Biden’s strategic focus on pressuring North Korea over its nuclear and missile threats and countering Iran’s aggression towards Israel. The Daily Mail reported that the missile’s deployment underscores a new phase in electronic warfare, leveraging technology to neutralize enemy defenses with precision.

CHAMP’s high-energy microwave bursts render electronic devices useless, effectively turning them into debris. The U.S. Air Force has reportedly deployed at least 100 CHAMP missiles, equipped with electromagnetic pulse (EMP) bombs designed to incapacitate North Korean and Iranian nuclear facilities and missile systems. This marks a significant advancement from earlier EMP technology, with CHAMP’s design focusing on precision and targeted disruption.

The missile’s development traces back to Cold War-era research on EMP effects following hydrogen bomb tests in 1962. Initially, EMP weapons emitted waves in a 360-degree radius, risking collateral damage. In response, the U.S. and other nations developed “directional EMP weapons,” which CHAMP exemplifies by focusing its EMP effects in specific directions. This technology allows the missile to approach and disable enemy ballistic missiles and firing control systems quietly.

CHAMP’s high-energy microwave bursts render electronic devices useless, effectively turning them into debris. The U.S. Air Force has reportedly deployed at least 100 CHAMP missiles, equipped with electromagnetic pulse (EMP) bombs designed to incapacitate North Korean and Iranian nuclear facilities and missile systems. This marks a significant advancement from earlier EMP technology, with CHAMP’s design focusing on precision and targeted disruption.

The missile’s development traces back to Cold War-era research on EMP effects following hydrogen bomb tests in 1962. Initially, EMP weapons emitted waves in a 360-degree radius, risking collateral damage. In response, the U.S. and other nations developed “directional EMP weapons,” which CHAMP exemplifies by focusing its EMP effects in specific directions. This technology allows the missile to approach and disable enemy ballistic missiles and firing control systems quietly.

It can penetrate and attack facilities hidden in bunkers

CHAMP’s design includes capabilities to penetrate and attack facilities hidden in bunkers. When mounted on cruise missiles, it can fly at low altitudes, making detection difficult and operating effectively regardless of weather conditions. Unlike traditional EMP weapons that cause widespread disruption, CHAMP’s high-power microwaves target specific electronic systems, leaving civilian infrastructure intact while neutralizing critical military assets.

Looking ahead, the U.S. Air Force plans to integrate CHAMP into smaller missiles, such as the long-range JASSM-ER, potentially mounting it on F-35 stealth fighters and new stealth drones. This evolution promises to enhance CHAMP’s lethality and operational flexibility. Lockheed Martin is tasked with integrating CHAMP with the JASSM-ER, and once completed, military experts anticipate the ability to launch approximately 100 CHAMP attacks in a single sortie.

While CHAMP represents a significant leap forward in electronic warfare, it does have limitations. The missile must approach relatively close to its target to direct its microwaves effectively, and the absence of visible effects makes it challenging to assess its impact in real-time. Additionally, the range of CHAMP’s electromagnetic waves is undisclosed, which may influence its deployment in urgent scenarios.

The destructive power of CHAMP is not immediately visible

Despite these challenges, CHAMP’s operational deployment signifies a pivotal advancement in military technology. As U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich stated, “Deploying this weapon is more a matter of choice than a technical issue.” This suggests that the strategic advantages of CHAMP outweigh its technical drawbacks, making it a crucial asset in the U.S. military’s arsenal.

The precise locations of CHAMP deployments remain classified, adding to the strategic uncertainty faced by nations like Russia, China, and North Korea. As these countries contend with U.S. military capabilities, the development and deployment of CHAMP pose a significant challenge, reinforcing the need for continued vigilance and adaptation in the realm of electronic warfare.