China has made a major breakthrough in its naval terminal defense systems. A newly unveiled barrage weapon system, dubbed the “Metal Storm,” features a 16-barrel 35mm caliber configuration and boasts an astonishing combined firing rate of up to 400,000 rounds per minute. This vastly surpasses the fire rate of the currently deployed Type 1130 close-in weapon system (CIWS), and is capable of intercepting both supersonic anti-ship missiles and drone swarms. The system is expected to significantly enhance the survivability and air defense capabilities of Chinese naval vessels.
In the latest issue of Modern Weaponry, a Chinese defense magazine, it was revealed that this weapon system was developed by Harbin First Machinery Group Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China North Industries Group Corporation (NORINCO). It is positioned as a vehicle-mounted barrage weapon platform designed to counter drone swarms and incoming missiles. Each barrel can fire up to 12,000 rounds per minute, and when combined into the 16-barrel system, it creates a high-density “wall of bullets.” An electronically controlled ignition system precisely fires each round in sequence, delivering broad-area, high-density firepower coverage.
The article notes that the term “Metal Storm” originated from a concept proposed in Australia during the 1990s. It emphasized the use of preloaded ammunition and electronic pulse ignition technology to achieve extremely high firing rates. China’s version not only retains this concept but also expands its application scope. In addition to land-based platforms, it can also be integrated into various surface vessels such as destroyers and frigates, intercepting supersonic and subsonic missiles as well as drones within a 3 to 5 km range.
According to the magazine, the system supports multiple types of 35mm ammunition, including the AHEAD programmable airburst rounds, allowing for precise lethality against various targets. Modern Weaponry states that the system’s rapid response and broad coverage make it highly effective against both sea-skimming anti-ship missiles and large-scale drone swarms, providing multi-layered close-range protection for naval vessels.
Additional Chinese media reports highlight that beyond its remarkable fire rate, the system also boasts features such as “low cost, high survivability, and sustained combat capability.” Compared to traditional missile-based defense systems, it offers a clear advantage in high-intensity combat environments by avoiding the risk of ammunition depletion.
Modern Weaponry points out that this “Chinese Metal Storm” is currently the only such system in the world to have entered mass production. It holds significant implications for countering saturation missile attacks and enhancing overall naval fleet defense. Furthermore, the system shows great potential for export and may become another highlight of China’s military technology exports.
