As tensions in the Korean peninsula are on the rise, a war between North Korea and US allies may break out at any time. Last week, North Korea tested Hwasong-15, the ICBM capable of hitting the US mainland, and according to experts, it can travel for more than 8000 kilometres on a flat trajectory which makes Washington DC an easily assailable target. In case of a possible war in the near future, the US may make use of microwave weapons capable of stopping North Korean missiles by frying their electronics.
What are Microwave weapons?
NBC News reports that microwave weapons were first discussed by the US officials in a high-level meeting conducted at the White House. These microwave weapons are known as CHAMPs among the US military troops, and they are delivered into the enemy airspace at low altitudes from B-52 bombers. After reaching the target, the weapon will emit sharp microwave energy to disable electronic systems.
"Think about when you put something in your microwave that has metal on it. You know how badly that goes? Imagine directing those microwaves at someone's electronics," told Sen. Martin Heinrich, a member of the armed service committee to NBC News.
According to reports, the US military has been working on microwave weapons for more than two decades. In the course of time, the US armed forces have used various emitters, especially in Afghanistan and Iraq to disable improvised explosive devices and small drones.
Military officials believe that the use of microwave weapons will successfully combat a possible ICBM launch by North Korea in the near future.
UN Political Chief to visit Pyongyang
In the midst of these developments. The United Nations political affairs chief Jeffrey Feltman will begin his four-day visit to Pyongyang on Tuesday. The visit of Jeffrey Feltman is coming just a week after North Korea's controversial ICBM test which could hit the US mainland.
During the visit, Feltman will meet North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho and will discuss the developments in the Korean peninsula.
On Monday, South Korea and the US started a war drill involving 230 jets and 16,000 troops. North Korea has always condemned these drills calling it an intentional provocation for a real war.
