logo
China unleashes world's first 16-barrel gun to rain hellfire on enemy missiles, drones

China unleashes world's first 16-barrel gun to rain hellfire on enemy missiles, drones

Yahoo10-04-2025
To improve its anti-drone warfare and neutralize low-flying rockets, missiles, and helicopters, China has developed a new weapon system that equips a 16-barrel gun.
According to China's state-run Global Times, the first-of-its-kind weapon system can also effectively counter drone swarms.
This new air defense system is known as the anti-drone swarm and anti-missile barrage weapon system.
Yu Bin, the system's chief designer, spoke in an interview that Global Times reported about the weapon's firing mechanism.
He said the weapon shoots a "barrage," identical to firing a wall of ammunition.
The barrage can cover all incoming target positions, effectively intercepting them by moving from a broad area to a precise point.
Yu said that conventional air defense guns use the concept of "point to point" interception, whereas the new system uses the concept of "plane to point."
The new concept follows an architecture where multiple air defense guns fire together to raise fire density and probability of interception.
The new weapon is a close-in air defense barrage system equipped with a 16-barrel gun to fire 'unique munitions.'
Yu added that this kind of system is not available globally, and it is the world's first system to intercept aerial threats such as drone swarms.
Global Times reported that the system has a fast reload speed, high fire density, controllable barrage size, outstanding destructive power, and capability to accompany troops in maneuvers.
Current air defense weapons struggle to handle drone swarms effectively. They often can't manage saturation attacks and are not cost-effective.
However, the new barrage weapon system addresses these issues, according to Yu.
This system has successfully demonstrated its ability to shoot down all small drones with a single barrage.
It can also intercept fast air-launched weapons like missiles. In addition, it can counter rockets, mortars, and howitzer shells.
Yu added that while the primary targets for this system are aerial threats like drone swarms, fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and cruise missiles, it can also target ground or water surface targets when needed.
The chief designer mentioned that the system is modular and can be installed on trucks, armored vehicles, or warships.
Fu Qianshao, a military expert, told Global Times that this new weapon will be effective and cost-efficient against drone swarms and missiles.
The barrage weapon is appealing for both domestic users and international markets as threats from drones continue to grow, Fu said.
The US and Taiwan are working together to fill the Taiwan Strait with tens of thousands of drones.
Along the Taiwan Strait, the US has already started deploying its long-range drones, such as the MQ-4C Triton.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense has ordered 3,500 domestically produced drones to counter China.
In addition, Taiwan has plans to set up a large unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) testing facility in Chiayi County to help establish its drone supply chain.
Taiwan's new defense plan highlights the important role of drones in various military operations.
In the initial defense phase, Taiwan plans to use larger drones, like the MQ-9B and Teng Yun, for ongoing surveillance.
These drones will provide early warnings and support command and control in challenging environments.
During the next phase, focusing on gaining control over coastal areas, the island plans to use smaller drones, such as the Albatross and Chien-Hsiang, for electronic warfare and to turn off coastal sensors.
Finally, in the phase where they secure beach landings, Taiwan will deploy less expensive and easily replaceable drones like the ALTIUS 600M-V and Capricorn.
These drones will conduct precise attacks on enemy forces and provide real-time targeting information to ground troops.
In light of this, China is investing significantly in developing new anti-drone systems, including the recently unveiled anti-drone swarm and anti-missile barrage weapon system.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

US Military Plans Reaper Drone Operations Near China, North Korea
US Military Plans Reaper Drone Operations Near China, North Korea

Newsweek

time21 hours ago

  • Newsweek

US Military Plans Reaper Drone Operations Near China, North Korea

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United States will reportedly deploy the MQ-9 armed reconnaissance drone, commonly known as the Reaper, to South Korea amid growing threats from China and North Korea. The U.S. Seventh Air Force—which commands air operations in South Korea—told Newsweek that it could not discuss potential or planned operations as a matter of policy. Newsweek has contacted the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment via email. The North Korean Embassy in China did not immediately respond to a written request for comment. Why It Matters Following the Korean War and the signing of a mutual defense treaty, the U.S. military has approximately 28,500 personnel—along with associated armaments such as fighter aircraft—in South Korea to deter provocations and attacks by nuclear-armed North Korea. While facing North Korea's growing military threat—including through the development of a drone that closely resembles America's Reaper aircraft—South Korea has also been challenged by China's maritime activities in the disputed waters between the two countries. What To Know Citing military officials, South Korean newspaper The Chosun Daily reported on Monday that, beginning in September, the MQ-9 drone is scheduled for a three-month extended rotational deployment in South Korea, during which it will be stationed at Kunsan Air Base. The Reaper drone, which is designed to conduct a range of missions—from intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance to precision strikes—has been featured in exercises held in South Korea, including its first live-fire drill on the Korean Peninsula in April 2024. A United States MQ-9 Reaper drone approaches the runway at Kunsan Air Base in South Korea on October 23, 2024. A United States MQ-9 Reaper drone approaches the runway at Kunsan Air Base in South Korea on October 23, 2024. Staff Sgt. Daniel Brosam/U.S. Air Force "Our personnel are equipped and prepared to carry out their missions with precision and professionalism," the U.S. Seventh Air Force told Newsweek, adding that the unit remains in a state of readiness while sustaining and strengthening the alliance with South Korea. The planned deployment, if confirmed, would mark the U.S. drone's longest stint in the allied country to date, according to the report. This move comes as the U.S. Air Force is set to complete the withdrawal of its South Korea-based A-10 attack aircraft by September 30. The replacement of the A-10 attack aircraft—which is designed to counter armored vehicles such as tanks—with a surveillance-focused aerial platform reflects the Pentagon's intention to deter both North Korea and China, a South Korean military official told The Chosun Daily. According to the U.S. Air Force, the Reaper aircraft is remotely controlled by a pilot and a sensor operator, with a flight range of 1,150 miles. The drone is capable of carrying up to 3,750 pounds of payload, including eight Hellfire laser-guided air-to-ground missiles. What People Are Saying Yang Uk, research fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in South Korea, told The Chosun Daily: "The MQ-9 has strike capabilities, but it is fundamentally a surveillance platform." The U.S. Air Force wrote in a fact sheet of the MQ-9 drone: "The Reaper is employed primarily as an intelligence-collection asset and secondarily against dynamic execution targets. Given its significant loiter time, wide-range sensors, multi-mode communications suite, and precision weapons, it provides a unique capability to perform strike, coordination, and reconnaissance against high-value, fleeting, and time-sensitive targets." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether the U.S. will deploy additional aircraft to South Korea to bolster its capabilities around the Korean Peninsula. In late June, a number of upgraded F-16 fighter jets were relocated from Misawa Air Base in Japan to Osan Air Base in South Korea.

Tesla (TSLA) Gets Bullish Forecast from Deutsche Bank Ahead of Q2 Earnings
Tesla (TSLA) Gets Bullish Forecast from Deutsche Bank Ahead of Q2 Earnings

Business Insider

timea day ago

  • Business Insider

Tesla (TSLA) Gets Bullish Forecast from Deutsche Bank Ahead of Q2 Earnings

Electric vehicle (EV) maker Tesla (TSLA) has received a bullish note regarding the second half of 2025 from Deutsche Bank analyst Edison Yu. He believes that Tesla could launch its most-anticipated low-cost EV in Q4. Yu refers to this EV as the 'Model Q,' while several others have nicknamed it 'Model 2.' Elevate Your Investing Strategy: Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence. Make smarter investment decisions with TipRanks' Smart Investor Picks, delivered to your inbox every week. Yu maintains a Buy rating on TSLA stock and a price target of $345, implying 4.7% upside potential from current levels. Tesla's Q2 Results Are Expected to Shine Tesla is scheduled to report its second-quarter fiscal 2025 results after the market closes on July 23. The Street expects Tesla to report adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.40 on sales of $22.42 billion. For Q2, Yu now expects sales of $22.2 billion, slightly below consensus estimates. Additionally, Yu projects that automotive gross margins will improve to 14% in Q2, excluding credits, up from 12.5% in Q1. For fiscal 2025, he has raised his automotive gross margin projections to 13.8%. For reference, Tesla reported adjusted EPS of $0.52 on sales of $25.50 billion in Q2FY24. The downward trend in expectations reflects growing concerns about Tesla's declining EV sales and intense competition from domestic players in China. Tesla has missed earnings expectations in six out of the last eight quarters. Yu Is Optimistic About Tesla's Affordable EVs CEO Elon Musk has been touting the development of a low-cost EV for years, with several analysts expecting it to be launched in the first half of 2025. However, Yu believes that Tesla could roll out the affordable EV soon, potentially boosting deliveries in Q4 of this year. For the full year 2025, Yu expects total Tesla deliveries to reach 1.58 million units, down nearly 12% year-over-year and below the consensus estimate of 1.62 million units. Currently, Yu includes only 25,000 units of the yet-to-be-launched Model Q series in the total delivery forecast, calling this estimate the 'key swing factor' for Q4. Yu is also optimistic about the launch of Tesla's new six-seater EV, the Model Y Long, this fall in China. The Model Y L reportedly has a six-inch longer wheelbase, allowing for larger three-row passenger seating with six seats. In December last year, after meeting with Tesla's top executives, Yu predicted that Tesla would launch Model Q in the first half of 2025. He also cited the price of the affordable EV as less than $30,000, positioning it to compete effectively with lower-priced EVs from Volkswagen (VOW3) and BYD (BYDDF). Tesla's H2 Marked by Robotaxi and Robotics Advances Tesla's Q2 deliveries of 384,000 units exceeded Deutsche Bank's internal delivery forecast, backed by solid performance in the U.S. and international markets, even as China lagged. However, Yu believes that looking ahead, Tesla's robotaxi and robot businesses will be key value drivers for the company. Tesla launched its autonomous robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, on June 22, and has already started expanding service areas in the region. Yu expects Tesla to deploy a fleet of 1,000 robotaxis in the next six to nine months, with services expanding to San Francisco, Phoenix, and Miami. Is TSLA stock a Buy, Hold, or Sell? On TipRanks, TSLA stock has a Moderate Buy consensus rating based on 13 Buys, 13 Holds, and eight Sell ratings. Also, the average Tesla price target of $298.93 implies 9.3% downside potential from current levels. Year-to-date, TSLA stock has lost 18.4%.

Video Shows Inside Russia's Iranian Drone Factory
Video Shows Inside Russia's Iranian Drone Factory

Newsweek

time2 days ago

  • Newsweek

Video Shows Inside Russia's Iranian Drone Factory

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Russian state media has aired footage from a major drone production facility in Yelabuga, Tatarstan, where Moscow is domestically manufacturing Iranian-designed Shahed drones under the name Geran-2. The video, released by the Ministry of Defense's Zvezda TV channel, offers a detailed view of one of Russia's key drone assembly centers that is helping fuel the country's ongoing war against Ukraine. Newsweek has reached out to the State Department as well as the foreign ministries of Russia, Ukraine and Iran for comment. Why It Matters Russia's shift from importing Iranian drones to mass-producing has marked an escalation in its war strategy. The Geran-2, modeled on Iran's Shahed-136, is cheap, easy to assemble, and effective at swarming Ukrainian defenses, especially at night. As Russia ramps up output, Ukraine's costly Western air defense systems face mounting pressure. Meanwhile, Iran's recent use of similar drones against Israel underscores their broader relevance. Even when intercepted, Shaheds can overwhelm advanced defense networks, reinforcing the logic behind mass deployment. Screen grab from Zvezda TV shows workers assembling combat drones at various stages of production inside a factory in Tatarstan, Russia, on July 20, 2025. Screen grab from Zvezda TV shows workers assembling combat drones at various stages of production inside a factory in Tatarstan, Russia, on July 20, 2025. Zvezda TV What to Know Located near Kazan, the Yelabuga facility has emerged as the centerpiece of Russia's fast-growing drone program. New footage aired on state media shows an expansive assembly line producing thousands of Geran-2 drones each month—long-range, explosive-laden unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) based on Iran's Shahed design. These drones have become a core component of Russia's strategy to pressure Ukraine with relentless, low-cost aerial attacks. According to Zvezda TV, President Vladimir Putin has endorsed scaling the Yelabuga model nationwide to increase domestic output and reduce reliance on direct imports from Iran. Drone Usage This push aligns with recent trends in Russia's drone usage. According to a new assessment from the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War, Russia's per-night use of Shahed-type drones rose by 31 percent in both June and July. If the current pace continues, it is estimated that Russia could potentially launch up to 2,000 drones in a single night by November 2025; a dramatic increase from the fall of 2024, when roughly 2,000 drones were deployed across an entire month. Russia and Iran Partnership The expansion of drone warfare has been underpinned by closer coordination between Moscow and Tehran. In January, Presidents Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian signed a 20-year "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" treaty in Moscow. The agreement spans 47 articles covering defense, trade, energy, and technology. While it stops short of establishing a formal mutual defense pact, the treaty institutionalizes expanded military-technical cooperation, intelligence sharing, joint exercises, and weapons development. Visitors look at a damaged Iranian-made drone, Shahed, during the International Conference on Expanding Sanctions Against Russia in Kyiv, Ukraine, Friday, June 27, 2025. Visitors look at a damaged Iranian-made drone, Shahed, during the International Conference on Expanding Sanctions Against Russia in Kyiv, Ukraine, Friday, June 27, 2025. Efrem Lukatsky/AP Photo Shahed Drones in Iran-Israel Conflict Iran has also employed Shahed drones in its own military operations. During its recent conflict with Israel, Tehran launched more than 100 Shahed-type UAVs in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets. Although the majority were intercepted before entering Israeli airspace, the attack underscored Iran's growing reliance on drone salvos as a retaliatory tactic and illustrated how its UAV doctrine is increasingly mirrored by Russia's own battlefield strategy. What People Are Saying Institute for the Study of War (ISW) "Russia may be able to launch up to 2,000 drones in one night by November 2025, should this current growth trend in drone usage continue." Israeli military spokesperson: "Most of the drones launched by Iran were intercepted before entering Israeli airspace, demonstrating the effectiveness of our air defense systems." What Happens Next As Russia scales up domestic drone production and Iran continues to showcase the Shahed's battlefield impact, both countries are jointly shaping a new model of low-cost, high-volume aerial warfare that challenges traditional air defenses.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store