China is rapidly redefining their approach to modern warfare by shifting its focus to small, low-cost, AI-powered drones. Recent state media reports highlight the deployment of micro drones across the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), including a new model weighing less than a kilogram. This drone features a coaxial dual-rotor system for superior lift, modular payloads, and AI-powered swarm coordination. Designed for both reconnaissance and attack, these drones can carry multiple grenades, operate silently, and transmit real-time intelligence. Their affordability and agility are central to China’s strategy, enabling mass deployment and rapid scaling on the battlefield. This move is part of what Chinese military sources describe as a “phased leap” in unmanned combat technology. The PLA’s strategy involves first expanding drone use, then deeply integrating them into operations, and ultimately achieving full autonomy. China is not limiting itself to a single drone type; the military is experimenting with swarms, mothership drones that launch hundreds of mini-drones, and fiber-optic guided models that resist jamming. China’s manufacturing scale is unmatched, with companies like DJI and AVIC producing drones at rates comparable to consumer electronics. As a result, China’s drone fleet is now estimated to be ten times larger than those of the U.S. and Taiwan combined.

Full report : China’s PLA is rapidly expanding its small drones fleet attack and reconnaissance operations.