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Also known as an "Enhanced-EMP", a super-electromagnetic pulse is a relatively new type of warfare in which a nuclear weapon is equipped with a far great electromagnetic pulse in comparison to standard nuclear weapons of mass destruction. ^[1] These weapons capitalize on the E1 pulse component of a detonation involving gamma rays, creating an EMP yield of up to 200,000 volts per meter. ^[2] For decades, numerous countries have experimented with the creation of such weapons, most notably China and Russia.

According to a statement made in writing by the Chinese military, the country has super-EMPs and has discussed their use in attacking Taiwan. Such an attack would debilitate information systems in the nation, allowing China to move in and attack it directly using soldiers. The Taiwanese military has subsequently confirmed Chinese possession of super-EMPs and their possible destruction to power grids. ^[3]

In addition to Taiwan, the possible implications of attacking the United States with these weapons was examined by China. While the United States also possess nuclear weapons, the country has not experimented with super-EMPs and is highly vulnerable to any future attacks by nations. This is due to the countries reliance on computers to control much of the government and economy. ^[2] Abroad, U.S. aircraft carriers stationed within a reasonable range of an exploding bomb are subject to complete destruction of missiles on-board, as well as telecommunication systems that would allow them to communicate with nearby vessels and controllers on land. ^[3]

Since the Cold War, Russia has experimented with the design and effects of EMP bombs. More recently, the country has performed several cyber attacks on the United States, which some analysts believe suggests possible future nation-wide blackouts caused by super-EMPs, since Russia is known to possess them. Along with ordinary warheads equipped with super-EPM capabilities, Russia has been developing hypersonic missiles that, in 2021, are far more difficult for U.S. defenses in the form of radars and satellites to detect in a timely manner. This method makes the act of nuclear deterrence, which is a key strategy for the United States in preventing nuclear war, nearly impossible. ^[4]

Plans of a device that is capable of placing a nuclear weapon into space were first introduced by the Soviet Union in 1962 when they developed a system, known as Fractional Orbital Bombardment System, to deliver nuclear weapons from above the Earth's atmosphere. ^[4] Compared to super-EMPs that target ground operations, proposals have been made by Russia to develop satellites supplied with similar EMP capabilities. This would call for detonations up to 100 kilometers (62 miles) above the Earth's surface, with the potential to disrupt the electronic systems of U.S. satellites suspended in orbit around the planet, many of which are vital for deterrence and alerting the country of possible incoming missiles. ^[2]