China has been actively developing and testing advanced drone swarm technologies, including the deployment of loitering munitions, commonly known as “suicide drones.” These drones are designed to loiter over a battlefield before striking targets, effectively acting as precision-guided munitions.
One notable system is the CH-901 loitering munition, developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). The CH-901 can be launched from various platforms, including portable tubes carried by soldiers, vehicles, aircraft, and unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs). In 2020, China unveiled a truck equipped with 48 launch tubes specifically for deploying CH-901 drones, demonstrating the capability to launch large swarms rapidly from mobile platforms.
Additionally, China has introduced the Feihong FH-97A, a “loyal wingman” drone designed to accompany manned stealth fighter jets. Unveiled at the Zhuhai air show, the FH-97A features an enhanced weapons bay capable of carrying loitering munitions like the CH-901. This integration allows for coordinated operations between manned and unmanned systems, enhancing combat capabilities.
These developments underscore China’s commitment to advancing drone swarm technologies, which are poised to play a significant role in modern warfare by providing flexible, rapid-response options for various combat scenarios.
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