An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) launches a flare during the achievement presentation of police UAV training courses for senior police officers in Anshan, Liaoning Province, in northeastern China, on September 29, 2020. The achievement presentation of the police UAV training courses for senior police officers nationwide took place in Anshan on Tuesday. Various practical and real combat exercises were demonstrated during the presentation, including aerial reconnaissance, precise delivery of relief items, collaborative application of police UAVs, and geographic information acquisition. (Xinhua/Yin Gang)
Multiple militia units across China have been using various types of drones in recent exercises. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become a key part of several services and military and police branches in China, according to observers on Monday.
In a move to better integrate UAVs into the nation’s militia forces, multiple militia units throughout the country have utilized drones during exercises, reported China Central Television (CCTV) on Sunday.
During a recent militia exercise held in the eastern Chinese province of Jiangxi to simulate a combat mission, a militia detachment focused on practicing joint operations and addressing emergency situations, including training courses like supply loading and reconnaissance using drones, according to the report.
A recent military event in Guizhou Province, southwestern China, organized a tactical deployment exercise and an emergency rescue drill using drones, while militia units utilized drones and demolition robots to conduct searches and rescues in a simulated rescue area to identify and rescue trapped personnel.
In the eastern Chinese province of Anhui, militia troops recently carried out a real-world troop confrontation exercise. They were mobilized across regions and provided emergency communication support to a brigade of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) using various new equipment, including drones.
“We closely focused on fields including specialists, cutting-edge technologies, and advanced equipment throughout the exercise, conducting drills that included the public to refine combat capabilities,” said Bo Tao, a militia officer who participated in the exercise in Anhui, in the CCTV report.
According to CCTV, the drones used in these militia exercises are mostly multirotor UAVs of different sizes with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. Observers noted that the smaller ones can be operated by individual soldiers for reconnaissance missions, while the larger ones can be useful in transport or communication relay missions.
Drones have provided reconnaissance and combat applications in recent conflicts worldwide. And China has complete industrial chains for the development and production of drones, so military and police services and their branches, including the militia, have begun to use them, train with them, and develop tactics with them, said a Chinese military expert who requested anonymity.
The military has deployed drones and robotic dogs in multiple joint exercises with foreign countries this year, while the Chinese police also utilized these unmanned equipment in a joint counter-terrorism exercise of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization last month.
According to the expert, drones are becoming increasingly standard equipment for infantry units, just like their firearms.
(Web editor: Rosa Liu, Zhao Jian)
Future Trends in UAV Integration within Military and Police Forces
The ongoing evolution of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) signifies a pivotal shift in military and police operations globally, with China at the forefront of embracing this technology. Recent exercises across various military units in China highlight the increasing reliance on drones for combat, reconnaissance, and emergency response situations, indicating a trend that is likely to expand rapidly.
As UAVs are utilized in training programs for military militia, advancements in drone technology suggest a future where these devices not only enhance tactical capabilities but also become essential components of strategic operations. The ability to conduct joint operations and address emergencies using drones is a precursor to a more integrated use of UAVs that could redefine battlefield dynamics.
Military experts indicate that as countries develop comprehensive supply chains for UAV manufacturing, similar to that of China, we may see a globalization of drone technology application. This could lead to standardized equipment across armed forces, enhancing interoperability in multinational operations. Notably, smaller drones operated by individual soldiers are expected to become mainstream tools, facilitating efficient reconnaissance missions and real-time intelligence gathering.
Moreover, the increasing incorporation of artificial intelligence and advanced robotics in drone functionalities is set to revolutionize their operational capabilities. With applications ranging from logistics support to precise targeting in combat scenarios, UAVs will likely play roles that extend beyond traditional frameworks, including humanitarian assistance and real-time communication relay in critical situations.
As the world witnesses ongoing conflicts and security challenges, the emphasis on drone technology as a standard element in tactical training and operations will presumably escalate. Exercises involving collaborative efforts among military, police, and civilian entities will become commonplace, fostering an environment where UAVs are indispensable for modern warfare and public safety initiatives.
In this context, the long-term trajectory suggests that the fusion of drones into organized defense is not merely a trend but an evolving standard that will reshape how operations are conducted globally. As nations develop and adapt their military frameworks, the integration of UAV technology stands poised to enhance deterrence and operational efficiency, thereby redefining national and global security paradigms.