Is China Mass Producing Combat Dog Drones ?.

Reports published in early June 2024 indicate that China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) is integrating advanced technology into its military arsenal, including the mass production of "combat dog drones." These quadrupedal unmanned ground vehicles (Q-UGVs) are equipped with various weapons, such as machine guns, and are deployed via drones. However, the reliability of some claims requires careful verification. The images shared by China show an American flamethrower-equipped robot dog, not a Chinese one. Therefore, these pieces of information should be taken with a grain of salt.
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China is said to be producing large quantities of robot dogs. (Picture source: Chinese social media)

Videos circulating on social media show a medium-sized drone deploying a robot dog, which then unfolds to patrol its environment with a Chinese QBB-97 light machine gun mounted on its back. These videos, shared by the Weibo account "Kestrel Defense Blood-Wing," illustrate the capability of these drones to drop robot dogs onto rooftops or behind enemy lines for surprise attacks. This approach highlights a strategic shift towards hybrid warfare, integrating manned and unmanned systems for coordinated assaults, particularly in urban settings​​.

Although the videos and reports confirm the use of machine guns on these robotic platforms, other claims about the weaponry should be treated with skepticism. Notably, there have been false assertions regarding the inclusion of flamethrowers on these Chinese dog drones. This misinformation likely stems from confusion with the American "Thermonator," a robot dog equipped with a flamethrower produced by Throwflame. Therefore, it is important to debunk this specific claim as inaccurate for the Chinese models​​. You can learn more about the Thermonator on Army Recognition.

Despite the impressive demonstrations, some experts warn that these robotic systems are still in an experimental stage. They may face challenges in real combat scenarios due to their vulnerability to physical and electronic interference. Additionally, technical details about the specific systems used in these demonstrations are scarce, making it difficult to assess their true combat readiness and effectiveness​​.

Furthermore, if some of the images are 100% fake, we can start to doubt the veracity of other images shared widely on Chinese social media. However, even if it turns out that all these images are fake, it shows China's interest in such systems, which are still very rare for now. Perhaps these images will attract the attention of other international actors.

The development and deployment of combat robot dogs by the Chinese PLA represent a technological advancement in military operations, particularly for urban warfare. However, while the use of machine guns has been confirmed as part of their armament, other claims about weapons, such as flamethrowers, are inaccurate and need to be corrected. As this technology evolves, its practical applications and combat effectiveness will become clearer, but for now, much remains in the realm of experimental innovation, so this is a matter to follow closely.

Image of the Thermonator produced by Throwflame, a US company, not a Chinese one. ( Picture Source: Throwflame)