The Chinese military pays special attention to the use of drones.
The war in Ukraine is not just a distant conflict for the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA). The Chinese military views it as a laboratory for real-time combat operations and an object of study for its own strategic purposes.
Defense One writes about this.
Massive drone attacks and electronic warfare techniques are being systematically analyzed and adapted to create the PLA's own strategy for the future – in Taiwan, the Himalayas, and beyond.
“The conflict in Ukraine has highlighted the critical role of UAVs in modern warfare, especially in intelligence gathering, precision targeting, and suppression of enemy defenses,” the authors note.
The PLA has responded by seeking to develop and improve various types of drones, including cheap kamikaze drones for mass attacks and FPV drones effective for reconnaissance and close-range strikes.
In addition, China recently launched a nationwide competition to develop ultra-low-cost drones capable of autonomous navigation, precision targeting, electronic warfare integration, long-range reconnaissance, swarm coordination, and logistics support.
This strategy is in line with Beijing's broader goals of achieving technological superiority and operational readiness for “high-stakes warfare.” In particular, China is promoting “intelligent warfare” tactics, emphasizing the role of drones in creating real-time operational synergies between units.
The PLA’s UAV strategy envisions AI-based coordination systems that would allow drones to collaborate on precision targeting and anti-access denial without direct human intervention. The PLA also aims to use drones for persistent surveillance, battlefield mapping, and enhanced indirect fire capabilities.
“These efforts demonstrate a transformative approach to tactical warfare,” the authors note.
The Chinese military also views UAV integration as key to increasing the survivability of ground forces. Inspired by Ukraine’s use of unmanned ground vehicles for logistics, reconnaissance, and combat, the PLA has unveiled logistics UGVs that can carry payloads, evacuate casualties, and provide close-quarters support. It is also testing armed UGVs with AI-based targeting systems for urban combat and perimeter defense. The reports emphasize the need to equip UGVs with advanced sensors and communications equipment so that they can be integrated into broader UAV and manned operations.
In addition, China is upgrading its armored vehicles, equipping them with a multi-layered defense system designed to counter drones and anti-tank missiles, taking into account the technological solutions used on the battlefield in Ukraine.
The publication emphasizes that all these changes indicate China's serious intention to learn from other people's wars, which is a historical sign of successful military reforms.
Recall that the Pentagon said that China is rapidly increasing its nuclear arsenal. The country has produced at least 100 new warheads in the past year, and currently has an arsenal of more than 600.
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