China’s Army Adopts Advanced FPV Drone Tactics Reflecting Modern Warfare Lessons from Ukraine.

In a recent broadcast, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA - Chinese Army) showcased its adoption of advanced First-Person View (FPV) drones in combat scenarios, underlining its commitment to integrating cutting-edge technologies and tactics inspired by modern warfare trends. The exercises prominently featured FPV drones and other unmanned systems, revealing the PLA’s careful analysis of lessons drawn from the ongoing war in Ukraine, where drone warfare has significantly redefined battlefield strategies.
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A Chinese soldier prepares an FPV drone armed with a hand grenade during military exercises, showcasing advanced tactics inspired by modern warfare developments. (Picture source: China CCTV)

The video footage highlighted the PLA’s (People’s Liberation Army  - Chinese Army) deployment of FPV (First-Person View ) drones equipped with grenades and artillery munitions. These drones were operated using sophisticated 3D-view control systems that provide an immersive first-person perspective, enabling operators to achieve high precision in targeting. The ability to maintain situational awareness and make rapid adjustments in real time gives these systems a decisive edge in combat. The video also showcased the dynamic launch of these drones from moving combat vehicles, where soldiers deployed drones through roof hatches. This tactic underscores the PLA’s ability to integrate unmanned systems seamlessly into mobile operations, mirroring methods seen on the Ukrainian battlefield.

In Ukraine, FPV drones have been pivotal in transforming modern combat. Both Russian and Ukrainian forces have used them extensively for reconnaissance, neutralizing high-value targets, and delivering explosives into enemy fortifications. The PLA’s exercises suggest a similar intent to employ these systems as multipurpose tools in both offensive and defensive operations. By adopting such tactics, China is aligning its strategies with a trend where FPV drones have become essential components of modern military arsenals.

China’s advancements in drone technology extend beyond FPV drones to include sophisticated loitering munitions, commonly referred to as “kamikaze drones.” These systems combine the functions of surveillance and strike capabilities, hovering over a target area before delivering precision strikes. Among the PLA’s newest developments is the ASN-301 loitering munition, engineered for suppressing enemy air defenses and executing precision attacks. This platform, similar in concept to the Iranian Shahed-136 and Israeli Harpy drones, is a testament to the PLA’s focus on creating versatile and cost-effective unmanned systems.

Additionally, the PLA has introduced the XS101 loitering munition, comparable to the U.S. Switchblade 300. Compact and portable, the XS101 is designed for infantry use and is particularly suited for operations in challenging environments. Reports indicate that China is scaling production of lightweight loitering munitions, with an order for nearly one million units expected by 2026. This massive production effort highlights China’s ambition to maintain a substantial inventory of low-cost, high-impact systems for sustained or large-scale conflicts.

China’s drone technology evolution also emphasizes the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). The Feihong FH-97A, an AI-powered combat drone, exemplifies this trend. Designed as a “loyal wingman” to manned aircraft, the FH-97A can carry a mix of air-to-air missiles and loitering munitions. With its advanced AI algorithms and sensors, this system can operate independently in high-threat environments while coordinating seamlessly with human pilots.

These developments reflect China’s strategic commitment to modernizing its military by adopting unmanned systems as critical elements of its operational framework. The PLA’s focus on FPV drones, loitering munitions, and AI integration signals its intent to dominate the domain of unmanned warfare. These systems not only provide cost-effective solutions for achieving tactical superiority but also offer a way to counter adversaries relying on conventional defense mechanisms.

By embracing lessons from the Ukraine conflict, China is preparing for a new era of warfare defined by precision, mobility, and automation. The PLA’s televised exercises demonstrate a readiness to deploy advanced drone systems effectively, positioning itself as a leader in unmanned combat capabilities. These advancements are likely to influence global military doctrines and reshape how future conflicts are fought, with drones playing a central role in determining outcomes.