China has unveiled a thermal-flask-sized micro drone that carries three grenades and streams real-time data.
To achieve dominance in unmanned warfare, China has introduced various new unmanned aerial vehicles , commonly known as drones.These autonomous drones are deployed as a part of China ’s intelligent warfare doctrine.
Under this strategy, the country plans to rapidly field cost-effective, AI-enabled UAVs optimized for attack and reconnaissance missions. Flask droneChina’s People’s Liberation Army recently introduced a new micro drone that looks like a thermal flask and weighs less than one kilogram. This drone, shown on state broadcaster CCTV, is designed for infantry use. It has a dual-rotor system that can carry more weight compared to traditional quadcopters. The drone can hold three grenades and deliver them quietly to targets while sending back real-time information.South China Morning Post reported that the drone has a modular design with foldable rotors and adjustable payload bays.One of its key features is a neural processing unit, which lets one operator control several drones using AI for targeting at once. This means a single soldier can manage multiple drones quickly and easily. CCTV reports that the drone can be launched from a 35mm grenade launcher, which speeds up deployment and increases the strike range. This technology combines traditional infantry weapons with unmanned systems.Fibre-optic kamikaze droneChina is now using first-person-view drones, also called kamikaze drones, which are guided by fiber-optic cable. This type of drone, adapted for the battlefield, was first seen in Ukraine and is now used by the PLA. These drones resist jamming and can be controlled accurately in crowded areas. A PLA brigade from the 71st Group Army reportedly uses these drones in its training exercises.Chinese companies are quickly developing these technologies. For example, Skywalker Technology offers fiber kits that allow drones to be guided over 50 kilometers. Since China produces over 60% of the world’s fiber-optic cables, the large-scale use of these systems is likely to happen soon.CCTV responded to concerns about the strength of the cables. It explained that the fiber spools unwind mid-air like wire-guided missiles, which helps reduce tension and prevent breakage, even when the drone makes sharp turns or follows the terrain closely.Urban warfare toolsGrassroots units of the PLA are creating low-cost drones to deliver grenades and mortars. These new drones are inspired by earlier models like the Blowfish A2, which can launch eight airburst mortars. The current versions are lighter and assembled by hand for quick use at the front lines.Although the PLA has not yet adopted this practice, the service is noticing Ukraine’s use of heavy drones to drop anti-tank mines. China has similar mines and robust agricultural drones, which allow it to use these tactics if needed.Chinese universities are also helping the military. A joint effort between Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Xuntian Optoelectronics produced the SKP-880FM, a fiber-controlled drone that resists electromagnetic interference. It completed test flights in early 2024 and is expected to support secure operations without being jammed.At the same time, PLA units, especially in northern and western areas, are practicing defensive drills. These drills focus on camouflage, counter-drone tactics, and using the terrain to deceive. These units are responding to threats from fiber-guided FPV drones.China wants to focus on systems tested in battle that can be scaled up rather than expensive, intricate solutions.As artificial intelligence, fiber communications, and modular drones come together, the PLA is not just experimenting but getting ready to lead in the era of smart, decentralized warfare.
Blowfish A2 China China Drone Defense &Amp Military Drone FPV Drones Grenades Kamikaze Drones PLA Skywalker Technology
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