China Unveils Micro-Drone to ‘Gain Early Edge in Intelligent Warfare’
China has introduced a micro-drone resembling a thermal flask that weighs less than a kilogram (around 2 pounds), designed to be used by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) infantry.
Despite its lightweight characteristics, the micro-drone can carry up to twice its weight due to its coaxial dual-rotor system. It is equipped with an onboard neural processor that uses artificial intelligence (AI)-powered targeting so a single operator can control multiple drones simultaneously.
The Chinese drone, labeled as the “first of its kind,” operates silently and features foldable rotors as well as modular payload bays, enabling it to support reconnaissance and attack missions.
It can be armed with a maximum of three grenades and deployed from a 35mm grenade launcher for faster take-off and traveling at an extended strike range.
The latest military asset was described as part of a “phased leap” in unmanned combat team technology and supports Beijing’s plan of “gaining an early edge in intelligent warfare,” the South China Morning Post reported, citing state sources.
Intelligent Warfare
China’s concept of “intelligent warfare” refers to a new, advanced stage of combat that integrates AI and autonomy extensively, combining human and machine intelligence across all military applications, according to an analysis by independent US nonprofit research organization CNA.
The East Asian power intends to shift from its “informationized” warfare approach — maintaining information superiority over adversaries — to an “intelligentized” one where it will leverage advanced technologies in the military, including supporting drones in all domains and improving cyber and electronic warfare using AI.
This observation was noted in the US Department of Defense’s 2020 report to Congress, stating the PLA’s potential obstacles to “recruit, train, and retain the highly competent and technically proficient personnel necessary to understand and operate future ‘intelligentized’ systems.”
However, four years later, the Pentagon released its annual report highlighting the rapid expansion of Chinese military capabilities, readiness, and proficiencies toward building a world-class armed forces by 2049 despite corruption issues within the PLA.
“Advanced small [unmanned aerial systems/UAS] are increasingly appearing in military and civilian applications, with [People’s Republic of China] industry remaining a key exporter of UASs and components of all sizes,” the document noted.
