Watch China’s New Drone Swarm Capabilities

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China has been working for several years on using small UAVs in a swarm. Now it seems that the Chinese military (PLA) will deploy swarms of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the near future.

A video footage released by the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) shows a modified Dongfeng Mengshi 6×6 CTL181A armored vehicle fitted with a 48-tube multiple UAV launcher being used in trials at an undisclosed location. 

The video also shows several UAVs being deployed from civil helicopters, indicating that development work on multiple launch platforms is in progress, according to janes.com. Subsequent footage showed the UAVs forming a small swarm along with a simulated attack on a mock target. It also showed how imagery from the UAVs was being relayed to the operator.

The launcher seen on the vehicle could be adapted for installation in warships and, if installed on amphibious landing vessels, it could be used to support amphibious operations, according to janes.com.