China Develops ‘Great Wall’ Against Drones to Protect Warships

Chinese naval researchers have outlined a concept for a multi-layered defense system to protect warships from large groups of low-cost drones, the South China Morning Post reported.

The project, described as the “Great Wall of the Digital Age,” is designed to block and neutralize drone swarms before they can reach their targets.

In an article in the peer-reviewed journal Command Control & Simulation, the researchers warned that small, inexpensive drones built from commercially available components could overwhelm traditional naval defenses.

The proposed counter-swarm system would integrate satellites, AI-enabled sensors and advanced weapons, including hypersonic missiles, lasers and microwave devices.

The publication noted that the technologies mirror systems displayed at Beijing’s 2025 parade, including high-powered microwave weapons, LY-1 shipborne lasers and CJ-1000 hypersonic cruise missiles, which are capable of engaging aircraft and drones at long range.