China Unveils Advanced Micro-Drone to Gain Early Edge in AI-Driven Warfare

China has taken another bold step in modernizing its military by unveiling a new micro-drone designed to support its People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in future battlefields dominated by artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous systems. This small but powerful drone is part of China’s growing ambition to lead the world in “intelligent warfare.”

A Tiny, High-Tech Drone for the Modern Battlefield

At first glance, this micro-drone looks like an ordinary thermal flask. But inside its compact frame lies a sophisticated piece of military technology. Weighing less than one kilogram (about two pounds), it is light enough for infantry soldiers to carry easily in the field. Despite its lightweight build, the drone can lift up to twice its own weight, thanks to an efficient coaxial dual-rotor system that provides stable flight even in challenging environments.

One of its most impressive features is an onboard neural processor powered by AI. This allows a single soldier to control multiple drones at once, coordinating reconnaissance, targeting, and strike missions with precision. This networked control capability marks a significant advancement in small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for China.

Silent, Versatile, and Deadly

The micro-drone is designed to operate silently, reducing the chances of detection during reconnaissance or surprise attacks. Its foldable rotors make it easy to pack and deploy in the field, while modular payload bays allow soldiers to equip it for different missions — from surveillance to direct attack.

In combat, the drone can be armed with up to three small grenades, turning it into a compact airborne weapon system. It can also be launched from a 35mm grenade launcher, giving it an extended range and the ability to be rapidly deployed into combat zones or behind enemy lines.

Key Specifications:

• Weight: Under 1 kg (approx. 2 lbs)

• Payload Capacity: Up to 2 kg (twice its weight)

• Rotor System: Coaxial dual-rotor for stable, efficient flight

• Processor: AI-powered onboard neural processor for intelligent targeting and multi-drone control

• Armament: Can carry up to 3 grenades

• Launch Method: Can be deployed by hand or from a 35mm grenade launcher

• Features: Silent operation, foldable rotors, modular payload bays

A Part of China’s Intelligent Warfare Vision

This micro-drone represents more than just a new piece of equipment — it’s a glimpse into China’s future warfighting strategy. The PLA is shifting from “informationized” warfare, which focuses on securing and managing information dominance, to “intelligentized” warfare, where AI, autonomous systems, and human-machine collaboration will define combat operations.

By integrating AI into unmanned systems like this micro-drone, China aims to create faster, smarter, and more flexible forces capable of overwhelming adversaries through speed, precision, and coordinated autonomous attacks.

China’s Ambition for a World-Class Military

China has set a goal to build a world-class military by 2049, the centenary of the People’s Republic. Over the years, the PLA has rapidly expanded its drone programs, covering everything from large combat drones to tiny reconnaissance UAVs like this new micro-drone.

Despite facing challenges such as corruption within military ranks and the need to recruit highly skilled technical personnel, China has made notable progress in integrating advanced technologies into its armed forces.

As advanced unmanned systems become increasingly important in modern conflicts, China’s new micro-drone showcases the nation’s commitment to staying ahead in the global race for AI-driven, intelligent warfare capabilities.