China’s 16-Barrel Weapon System: A New Era in Ground To Air Defense

Chinese flag over digital code background.

China unveils revolutionary 16-barrel anti-drone weapon system that could change the balance of power in modern warfare by creating walls of projectiles to neutralize multiple threats simultaneously.

Key Insights

China’s new 16-barrel anti-drone and anti-missile system uses innovative “plane-to-point” barrage interception instead of traditional “point-to-point” methods, creating a wall of fire to increase hit probability against multiple targets.
The modular system can be mounted on trucks, armored vehicles, and naval vessels, providing versatile protection against drones, missiles, helicopters, and other aerial threats.
This cost-effective solution specifically addresses the growing threat of drone swarms and low-flying targets often missed by conventional air defense systems.
The system represents a significant advancement in military technology that could influence defense strategies and procurement worldwide, particularly as drone warfare becomes increasingly common.

A New Era in Anti-Drone Defense

China has introduced what military analysts are calling a game-changing addition to modern warfare technology: a 16-barrel anti-drone and anti-missile weapon system. This innovative defense platform marks a significant departure from traditional interception methods by employing a “barrage” technique that blankets an area with projectiles before converging on selected targets. The system addresses a critical vulnerability in conventional air defense networks by effectively countering low-flying, slow, and small targets like drones that often evade detection by standard systems.

According to defense experts, this new system adapts naval Close-in-Weapon-System (CIWS) technology for land-based operations, mounting it on mobile platforms for enhanced battlefield flexibility. The system’s primary configuration features 16 gun barrels capable of creating dense fire patterns, significantly increasing the probability of neutralizing incoming threats. Its mobility allows it to provide continuous protection for troops on the move rather than being limited to fixed defensive positions.

China's 16 barrel metal storm point defense system, used for anti-drone swarms and anti-missile.

We need to mount these onto ships, creating a point defense gunboat. Then anchor them near our moveable port barges on Taiwan's coastline.

They will protect the offloading point… pic.twitter.com/Dm6s88kEai

— Zhao DaShuai 东北进修🇨🇳 (@zhao_dashuai) March 31, 2025

Revolutionary “Plane-to-Point” Interception Strategy

What truly sets this weapon system apart is its innovative approach to aerial threat neutralization. Rather than relying on traditional “point-to-point” interception—where a single projectile must directly hit a single target—the Chinese system employs what developers call a “plane-to-point” concept. This approach creates a wall of projectiles in the path of incoming threats, dramatically increasing the probability of successful interception even against multiple simultaneous targets.

The system’s specialized munitions are designed for rapid reload capabilities, allowing for sustained defense against swarm attacks. Field demonstrations have reportedly shown the system capable of eliminating entire drone formations and intercepting high-speed projectiles such as missiles and rockets. This represents a cost-effective countermeasure to the growing threat of mass drone deployments, which have proven increasingly problematic on modern battlefields.

Versatility for Multiple Defense Scenarios

One of the most significant advantages of China’s new anti-drone system is its remarkable versatility across different operational environments. The modular design allows for integration with various platforms including trucks, armored vehicles, and naval vessels. This adaptability enables military planners to deploy the system in numerous scenarios, from protecting forward operating bases to safeguarding critical infrastructure or moving convoys.

“With special radar and sensors, it can target drones that are difficult to spot and come in large numbers or in a swarm, and choose to use a gun or missile based on the situation,” said Chinese military aviation expert Fu Qianshao.

The system’s flexibility extends to its target engagement capabilities. Beyond drones, it can effectively counter fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and various ground targets. This multi-domain effectiveness makes it a particularly valuable addition to military arsenals at a time when threats increasingly span different operational environments. The system’s introduction comes as both the United States and Taiwan are reportedly increasing their drone capabilities in the Taiwan Strait region, highlighting its strategic significance.

Strategic Implications for Global Military Balance

The introduction of this advanced weapon system signals China’s commitment to military modernization and could potentially shift the balance of power in regional conflicts where drone warfare has become increasingly prominent. Military analysts suggest the system represents a cost-effective solution for countries seeking to bolster their air defense capabilities against the proliferation of unmanned aerial systems that have become ubiquitous on modern battlefields.

The system’s development comes amid growing international competition in counter-drone technologies. China has also been testing other defensive systems, including the GL-6 active protection system for armored vehicles, which has demonstrated effectiveness against drone-launched rocket-propelled grenades. These developments collectively indicate China’s comprehensive approach to addressing emerging battlefield threats through technological innovation and adaptation of existing defense concepts.