Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have become an integral component of China’s militia forces, with multiple units across the country incorporating drones into their recent exercises. This development underscores the growing importance of UAVs in China’s militia and police operations, as observed by experts on Monday.
According to a report by China Central Television (CCTV) on Sunday, militia units across various provinces have successfully integrated drones into their training exercises, signaling a strategic shift towards modernized warfare.
Key Militia Exercises
In East China’s Jiangxi Province, a recent militia exercise simulated a combat mission that included joint operations and emergency response scenarios. The drills featured drone-assisted supply loading and reconnaissance, enhancing the militia’s operational capabilities.
In Southwest China’s Guizhou Province, a tactical deployment and emergency rescue exercise demonstrated the use of drones and demolition robots. These unmanned systems played a crucial role in search and rescue operations, identifying and rescuing personnel in a simulated disaster area.
Similarly, in East China’s Anhui Province, militia troops conducted a real-world troop confrontation exercise. The drills involved regional mobilization and emergency communications support for a brigade of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), utilizing a variety of advanced equipment, including drones.
Bo Tao, a militia officer involved in the Anhui exercise, emphasized the focus on specialists, cutting-edge technologies,and advanced equipment throughout the drills. Consequently, “We closely focused on fields including specialists, cutting-edge technologies, and advanced equipment throughout the exercise, running drills that include the public to hone combat capabilities,” he said in the CCTV report.
Strategic Importance of UAVs
The drones used in these exercises are predominantly multirotor, vertical takeoff and landing UAVs of varying sizes. According to observers, smaller drones are typically operated by individual soldiers for reconnaissance missions, while larger drones assist in transport and communications relay tasks.
The growing use of UAVs in China’s militia exercises reflects the broader trend observed in recent global conflicts, where UAVs have demonstrated significant reconnaissance and combat capabilities. Moreover, China, with its complete industrial chain for developing and producing drones, has been quick to incorporate these technologies into its military and police services. Additionally, this includes militia forces.
A Chinese military expert, who requested anonymity, told the Global Times that drones are increasingly becoming standard equipment for infantry units, comparable to firearms in their utility and necessity.
The PLA has also deployed drones and robot dogs in multiple joint exercises with foreign nations this year, further highlighting the significance of unmanned systems in modern military strategy. Additionally, Chinese police utilized these technologies during a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation joint anti-terrorism drill last month.
As UAVs continue to prove their value in various military and civilian applications, China’s focus on integrating these systems into its armed forces is expected to enhance its combat readiness and operational efficiency in future conflicts.