Optically controlled microwave beam forming networks comprise 2N single frequency DFB lasers of different wavelengths, , 2N electro-optic intensity modulators, 2N *1 passive wavelength division multiplexers, an optical fiber, 1*2N optical beam splitter, 2N fiber collimator, a time delay network module, 2N coupled lenses, 2N photoelectric detectors and 2N low noise amplifiers, wherein N is an integer larger than 2. The optically controlled microwave beam forming networks have the advantages of the high signal to noise ratio, good dynamic performance, high time delay precision, continuous adjustability, and good stability, and are easy to be extended in the system array size.