Leaked U.S. Intelligence Documents Say China Is Readying A Supersonic Spy Drone Unit

The leaked Pentagon document showed the positioning of the drones  

Washington Post: China readies supersonic spy drone unit, leaked document says 

The Chinese military could soon deploy a high-altitude spy drone that travels at least three times the speed of sound, according to a leaked U.S. military assessment, a development that would dramatically strengthen China’s ability to conduct surveillance operations. 

A secret document from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, which has not previously been reported, shows the Chinese military is making technological advances that could help it target American warships around Taiwan and military bases in the region. 

The document features satellite imagery dated Aug. 9 that shows two WZ-8 rocket-propelled reconnaissance drones at an air base in eastern China, about 350 miles inland from Shanghai. The drones are a cutting-edge surveillance system that could help China gather real-time mapping data to inform strategy or carry out missile strikes in a future conflict.  

Read more ....

WNU Editor:  According to these documents the focus of this Chinese supersonic spy drone unit will be on Taiwan and the U.S. military ....China readies its supersonic spy drones: Beijing moves high-altitude aircraft that travel at 'three times speed of sound' to east of the country - in threat to US warships around Taiwan, leaked Pentagon docs show (Daily Mail). 

Leaked U.S. Intelligence Documents Say China Is Readying A Supersonic Spy Drone Unit  

 Leaked US assessment says China readying supersonic spy drone unit - Washington Post -- Reuters 

China preparing supersonic spy drone unit, leaked US military assessment reportedly says -- FOX News  

Leaked documents show China's plans for supersonic spy drone: report -- Business Insider  

'China readying supersonic spy drone unit that travels three times the speed of sound', leaked document says -- Free Press Journal

China Planning To Convert Hundreds Of Its Old Fighter Jets Into 'Suicide Drones'

A Chinese F-7 over the South China Sea in May 1993. US Defense Department via National Archives at College Park 

Daily Mail: China is 'planning to turn hundreds of retired Cold War fighter jets into suicide drones' that could be used for massive attack on Taiwan 

* The Chengdu J-7 fighter jets are based on the Soviet MiG-21 from the 1960s 

* It comes amid growing tensions in the Taiwan strait and between China and US 

China is reportedly planning to turn hundreds of retired Cold War fighter jets into suicide drones that could be used for a massive attack on Taiwan. 

China's last Chengdu J-7 fighter jets may leave active service this year and some may be converted into drones, according to state media. 

Experts believe the weapons would be relatively cost-effective and capable, reported Business Insider. The drones would have similar characteristics to the original planes and reduce the number of China's casualties.  

Read more .... 

Update: China is getting rid of its 'grandpa' fighter jets, but they may make a comeback for a one-way mission against Taiwan (Business Insider)  

WNU Editor: No "boneyard" for these old fighter jets.

China's next-generation Type-076 Assault Carrier may be equipped with an EMALS aircraft catapult. This would allow jet-powered UAVs to be carried as well as helicopters. H I Sutton

Forbes: Stealth UAVs Could Give China’s Type-076 Assault Carrier More Firepower

The Chinese Navy is building assault carriers to support amphibious operations, like a possible invasion of Taiwan or landings on disputed islands in the South China Sea. The first two ships, called LHDs (landing helicopter docks) in naval terminology, are still being outfitted. But information is already emerging suggesting that the follow-on design, the Type-076, will have much more firepower.

The Chinese Navy, officially known as the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), is still new to the assault carrier game. Their current LHDs, which have yet to enter service, are the Type-075. These feature a spacious flight deck and are generally equivalent to the U.S. Navy’s America Class assault carrier. They can carry helicopters, including rotor-wing drones, and hovercraft. But it seems unlikely that they will host jet aircraft or UAVs

Read more ....

WNU Editor: China has a huge industrial base that manufactures UAVs for both the consumer and military markets. The fact that the Chinese Navy now wants UAVs for its assault carrier fleet is not a surprise.

Will China Use Its Military Drones Like The U.S.?

China shows off its GJ-11 stealth combat drone at the National Day parade in Beijing in October. Photo: Simon Song

SCMP: China has powerful military drones but won’t use them like the US, analysts say

 * The killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in a US air strike last week was evidence of the deadly power of modern unmanned aerial vehicles
 * But while China has been building up its own fleet of UAVs, analysts say it is unlikely ever to employ them for such an audacious mission

The assassination of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in Iraq last week shows the ever increasing role of drones in modern warfare. But while China has its own fleet of powerful unmanned aerial vehicles, it is unlikely to use them for such an audacious mission, analysts say.

During last Friday’s operation, a US MQ-9 Reaper, controlled from afar, identified and locked in on Soleimani’s convoy near Baghdad airport. It fired at least two missiles at the two vehicles, killing everyone inside.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Yes. They will use these drones like the U.S.. Next question.

China's Military Is Betting Big On Drones

Reminds me to the UAV demonstration at Malan AB in August 2018 but this one is even more impressive. 😮

Seems to be the complete UAV family, the PLAAF operates or has in test?

(Image via 捣蛋就对 at Weibo) pic.twitter.com/ZfT1iNSFgq

— @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) December 8, 2019

Warzone/The Drive: Highly Impressive Lineup Of Chinese Air Combat Drone Types Caught By Satellite

The display of China's most prominent operational and developmental unmanned military aircraft is another sign that Beijing is betting big on drones.

A satellite image that was posted on Chinese internet shows an impressive lineup of the Chinese military aerial drones, some of which are in development while others are operational. The lineup occurred at Malan Air Base, a known hub of testing for these types of systems. The image is yet another stark reminder of how China is betting big on unmanned aerial military capabilities, from high-end unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAVs) to swarms of small expendable drones.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Some customers are not happy with China's military drones .... Iraq's Fleet Of Chinese Drones Is Struggling With Maintenance Issues (August 9, 2019).

China Testing Killer Drones For Street-To-Street Urban Warfare

A Chinese tech firm is testing a drone designed to carry out both reconnaissance missions and close-range strikes against armoured vehicles or individuals in an urban environment. Photo: Weibo

SCMP: China tests killer drones for street-to-street urban warfare, plans sales overseas

* Tianyi quadcopter built by a subsidiary of a state aerospace corporation is designed to carry out ground-level reconnaissance and precision strikes in cities
* The unmanned aerial vehicles are still under development, but once ready could be available on the international market as a cheap and versatile option

A Chinese technology firm is testing a new attack drone specifically designed to help ground troops in street-level combat, in the hope that it can sell the unit abroad, reports say.

Engineers recently completed a successful air-to-ground test firing exercise for the mini quadcopter named Tianyi, Modern Weaponry reported.

The developer, Tianjin Zhongwei Aerospace Data System Technology, said the unmanned aerial vehicle had been designed to carry out both reconnaissance missions and close-range strikes against armoured vehicles or individuals in an urban environment.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: The Chinese are not the only ones who are investing big into military drones .... Israel's drone industry becomes global force (AFP).

U.S. Defense Secretary: China Is Selling Drones To The Middle East That Have The Ability To Conduct Lethal Operations Autonomously

The Ziyan Blowfish A2, machine-gun armed autonomous drone. Ziyan

Breaking Defense: SecDef: China Is Exporting Killer Robots to the Mideast

For the first time, a senior Defense official has called out Beijing for selling lethal autonomy.

China is exporting drones that it advertises as having lethal autonomy to the Middle East, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Tuesday. It’s the first time that a senior Defense official has acknowledged that China is selling drones capable of taking life with little or no human oversight.

“As we speak, the Chinese government is already exporting some of its most advanced military aerial drones to the Middle East, as it prepares to export its next-generation stealth UAVs when those come oneline,” Esper said today at the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence conference. “In addition, Chinese weapons manufacturers are selling drones advertised as capable of full autonomy, including the ability to conduct lethal targeted strikes.”

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Autonomous weapon systems are the future, and also the biggest fear on where AI platforms are heading.

China's High-Speed Drone Is Rocket-Powered

A nice side-on image showing the WZ-8's sleek profile and landing gear. Chinese internet

Warzone/The Drive: China's High-Speed Drone Is Rocket-Powered And All About Doing What Satellites Can't

The aircraft is designed to rapidly gather intel in contested areas by surprise and especially when key satellites are no longer operational.

China's big 70th-anniversary parade marking the founding of the PRC has come and gone. There were a number of revelations, some of which we are still analyzing, but the biggest ones were in the unmanned space. In the days leading up to the parade, we had covered both of the most impressive unmanned vehicles that were to be displayed. It's time to follow up with our analysis now that we have seen them in far greater detail. We posted our analysis on the GJ-11 Sharp Sword UCAV earlier today, now here are my takeaways from the official unveiling of the WZ-8—also referred to as the DR-8—high-speed reconnaissance drone.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: This looks like China's "back-up" plan in the event that its spy satellites are no longer functional.

U.S. Military Still Buying Chinese-Made Drones

FILE - A DJI Mavic 2 Zoom flies in a netted area during the 2019 CES in Las Vegas, Nevada, Jan. 9, 2019.

VOA: US Military Still Buying Chinese-Made Drones Despite Spying Concerns

PENTAGON - The Air Force and the Navy bought Chinese-manufactured drones for elite forces months after the Pentagon prohibited their use due to cybersecurity concerns, according to government documents.

In each case, the services used special exemptions granted by the Pentagon's acquisition and sustainment office "on a case by case basis, to support urgent needs," Pentagon spokesman Lt. Col. Mike Andrews told VOA.

The Department of Defense issued a ban on the purchase and use of all commercial off-the-shelf drones, citing "cybersecurity vulnerabilities," in a memo from then-Deputy Secretary of Defense Pat Shanahan dated May 23, 2018.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Chinese drones are cheap and very reliable. I have friends in Europe who use these drones, and they love them.

China's Top-Secret Supersonic Spy Drone Is Unveiled For The First Time

The Sharp Sword stealth drone is seen at the National Day military parade rehearsal in Beijing on Saturday. Photo: Handout

SCMP: China unveils supersonic spy drone during National Day military parade rehearsal

* Expect ‘exciting new weaponry on show’ during event marking 70th anniversary of founding of People’s Republic, analyst says
* At least two types of advanced unmanned aerial vehicle likely to take part

China’s supersonic spy drone was unveiled for the first time during a weekend rehearsal
for the National Day military parade on October 1, according to photographs circulating on social media.

The photos, which have prompted discussion among military enthusiasts, show at least two types of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) – identified as the DR-8 or Wuzhen 8, and the Sharp Sword stealth attack drone.

The DR-8 would be expected to play a key role should there be a conflict with US aircraft carrier strike groups in the South China Sea or Western Pacific.

Read more ....

More News On China's Top-Secret Supersonic Spy Drone Being Unveiled For The First Time

China readies for massive display of new weaponry, with 'supersonic spy drone' spotted in Beijing parade rehearsal -- ABC News Online
China to deploy Sharp Sword stealth drone for new Type 001A aircraft carrier -- SCMP
China's top-secret supersonic spy drone 'which can reach the US territory is unveiled for the first time' -- Daily Mail
Photos: China’s Sharp Sword Carrier-Based Stealth Drone to Enter Service by End of Year -- Sputnik

China Says Its Drones Can Hunt Like Spiderman

China says it has developed a new hunter drone that can disable other drones -- or even small aircraft -- by firing a 16-square-meter web at them https://t.co/tg2e5S8P4a

— CNN International (@cnni) September 5, 2019

CNN: China says its drone can hunt like Spiderman

Hong Kong (CNN)Call it the Spiderman of drones.

China says it has developed a new hunter drone that can disable other drones -- or even small aircraft -- by firing a 16-square-meter (172 square feet) web at them.

"Caught by the web, the hostile drone should lose power and fall to ground," said a report on the Chinese military's English-language website.

Developed by the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, the drone can work alone but also can integrate with China's defense system for small, slow and low-flying targets, according to the report.

The hexacopter drone can also perform surveillance and reconnaissance, it said.

Read more ....

Update: The Spiderman Of Drones: China Reveals Its Latest Hunter Hexacopter (IBTimes)

WNU Editor: I do not think these drones are going to be effective.

China Showcases Another Military Drone

Two Chinese exhibitors show off at #MAKS2019 the LJ-1, a concept for an advanced target drone that also can perform some of the roles now discussed by USAF for a Loyal Wingman. #MAKC2019 pic.twitter.com/GZedvYnljy

— Steve Trimble (@TheDEWLine) August 27, 2019

Popular Mechanics: China's Loyal Wingman Drone Flies Alongside Manned Fighters

It's another endorsement for the robotic flying buddy concept.

* The LJ-1 is designed to function as a robotic wingman to manned aircraft.
* The drone's development is evidence Chinese companies see the merit of America's "loyal wingman" concept.
* Unlike other drones, the LJ-1 can be sent on a one way trip with a high explosive payload, turning it into a cruise missile.

A mysterious Chinese company is showing off a concept model for a high speed “loyal wingman” drone at an airshow outside of Moscow. The LJ-1 is designed to function as a high speed target but also fly alongside manned fighter jets—and sacrifice itself if necessary. The drone is an endorsement of the loyal wingman concept, currently being pioneered by the U.S. and Australia.

According to Aviation Week and Space Technology, the LJ-1 is currently on display at the MAKS 2019 Air Show at Zhukovsky Air Base. Russia’s largest air show, it’s where Russian and other foreign companies show off their latest aircraft and aerial weapon designs, hoping to drum up orders. A photo of the drone at the AW&ST web site shows a sleek, cockpitless aircraft with an air intake at the top rear of the fuselage.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: It looks like the Chinese have bought into the US Air Force's plans to have drone wingmen flying alongside manned fighters.

China Wants A Drone That Hunts And Kills F-35s

China is developing a drone hunter killer to combat the growing F-35 threat in Asia-Pacific. Handout.

Asia Times: China unveils an F-35 stealth target drone

While US allies stock their arsenals with the new stealth fighter, China quietly prepares a method to destroy it

On an imagined battlefield, an F-35 takes off from its base, headed for its target … unaware it is being tracked, by a squad of advanced drones with stealth capabilities.

Deftly launched from a bomber, the drone’s purpose is to jam the intruder and destroy it. Small, undetectable, deadly.

In other words, it’s high-tech noon in the sky, and one of them is going to die.

According to military experts, the LJ-I stealth target drone China recently showcased at the 2019 Russian International Aviation and Space Salon (MAKS) in Zhukovsky, will provide the Chinese military with experience encountering stealth fighter jets like the F-35, and possibly more in the future.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: There is a lot of speculation in the above article on what China is trying to do. But rest assure on one thing. Neutralizing The U.S. Air Force and its stealth fleet is a priority for the Chinese and other U.S. adversaries.

Iraq's Fleet Of Chinese Drones Is Struggling With Maintenance Issues

Warzone/The Drive: Only One Of Iraq's Chinese CH-4B Drones Is Mission Capable As Other Buyers Give Up On Them

Iraq's fleet of these unmanned aircraft is struggling with maintenance issues amid reports that other customers have been displeased with the design.

As of the end of June, only one of Iraq's Chinese-made CH-4B drones was fully mission capable, contributing to a major shortfall in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capacity, according to recent U.S. government report. Unspecified maintenance issues are apparently to blame, but the news does follow reports that other operators of the type have been less than pleased with its performance.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: These customers are not happy with these drones.

China Unveils Their Newest Stealth Drone Concept

A carrier-based stealth drone featuring a flying wing design is shown in a promotional video. Screenshot.

Asia Times: China unveils high-tech stealth drone concept

Experts say jet manufacturer Shenyang Aircraft Corp. is capable of developing flying wing aircraft

Chinese fighter jet manufacturer Shenyang Aircraft Corporation offered a glimpse into the future of what a flying wing stealth drone might look like for use with aircraft carriers, Gobal Times reported.

To mark the 50th anniversary of Shenyang J-8’s maiden flight, the company, under the state-owned Aviation Industry of China, released a promotional video highlighting past achievements and providing a look into the future.

In the latter part of the video, which turned from real life documentary to computer generated images, a stealth drone featuring a flying wing design was shown operating on an aircraft carrier. The drone seems large, as its landing gear is as tall as a person, the video showed.

Read more ....

Update: Mysterious Flying Wing Drone Makes Second Appearance in Chinese Promotional Video (Photo) (Sputnik)

WNU Editor: China needs a better drone. Customers for their older drones are not happy .... Turns Out Buying a Chinese Knock-Off Predator Drone Is a Bad Idea (Popular Mechanics).

Chinese Military Tests The World's Largest Transport Drone

A Chinese unmanned transport aircraft taxis on a runway in an aerial delivery exercise in Northwest China's Gansu Province. Photo: screenshot from China Central Television

Global Times: Chinese military tests long-range, heavy aerial delivery with unmanned transport aircraft

Chinese military analysts predicted on Sunday that more unmanned transport aircraft could join the Chinese military logistics arsenal for long-range and heavy delivery in the future, as the Chinese military recently made breakthroughs in the heavy cargo delivery exercise with an unmanned transport plane.

Jointly held by the National Defense University of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the state-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, an aerial delivery exercise took place recently in Zhangye, Northwest China's Gansu Province, China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Thursday.

Read more ....

Update: China Tests World's Largest Transport Drone With Airdrop Exercise (Zero Hedge)

WNU Editor: They converted an old transport cargo plane into an unmanned one. 

This Chinese Armored Vehicle Can Launch A Swarm of Killer Drones

Seen at an exposition in 2017 are two of the truck-launched drones, next to a variant of the vehicle that uses a concealed missile launcher. (Yanjing Auto)

C4ISRNet: This Chinese truck can launch a salvo of drones

What is most striking about modern warfare is the synthesis of technologies. A light truck for carrying troops is over a century old. Tube-launched artillery mounted on trucks was a stable of World War II. Explosive-tipped drones are a new variation on loitering munitions that have been around in some form since the 1980s. Combined, however, these components turn a light and mobile troop carrier into not just an artillery piece, but an artillery piece that can potentially scout an entire battlefield and then launch multiple precision strikes across it. It is the synthesis that makes the machine.

Read more ....

More News On This Chinese Armored Vehicle Being Able To Launch A Swarm of Killer Drones

This New Armored Vehicle Can Launch a Swarm of Killer Drones -- Popular Mechanics
Chinese Military Truck Launches Killer Drones Like Artillery -- Futurism
China unveils terrifying new armoured truck which launches swarms of killer drones to attack its enemies -- The SUN

The Chinese Are Selling Military Drones To America's Allies

CNBC: Pentagon is scrambling as China 'sells the hell out of' armed drones to US allies

* The U.S. is under pressure to expand weapons sales to the Middle East amid record high regional defense spending and encroaching foreign competition.
* Lt. Gen. Charles Hooper, director of the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency, this week emphasized changes underway to U.S. policy that has thus far prevented armed drone sales to Washington's Arab allies.
* Systems that Gulf countries have wanted include the deadly MQ-9 Reaper, produced by General Atomics, a hunter-killer drone that can carry up to four hellfire missiles as well as laser-guided bombs and joint direct attack munitions (JDAMs).

ABU DHABI — As one U.S. official at Abu Dhabi's international defense expo, IDEX, put it this week, "China has been selling the hell out of its drones" to Gulf militaries like those of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia.

The U.S., while a top security partner to these states, currently does not supply them with its armed drone technology due to strict export regulations. But in the face of record Middle East defense spending and encroaching foreign competition, it's under renewed pressure to do just that.

Lt. Gen. Charles Hooper, director of the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), emphasized changes underway to the Conventional Arms Transfer (CAT) policy, which has thus far prevented the sale of armed drones to Washington's Arab allies.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Here is an easy prediction. U.S. export restrictions on military drones being sold to U.S. allies in the Middle East will be lifted very soon.

China Wants Drones Backed By Artificial Intelligence

CH-7 (pictured) is set to have its test flight next year and will enter mass production in 2022

Daily Mail: China's military drones 'could lead to accidental war' as Beijing develops unmanned bombers that can fire without a human pressing a button

* Beijing has developed an unmanned drone bomber and stealth combat drone
* A report by a U.S. think tank has warned of an 'artificial intelligence arms race'
* Officials fear that drone warfare could 'lower the threshold of military action'

China's development of military drones could lead to an artificial intelligence arms race and an accidental war, a report has warned.

Beijing has developed a deadly unmanned drone bomber and a stealth combat drone in recent months, which could be deployed without humans pressing a button.

A report by a Washington-based think tank has warned that drone warfare would 'lower the threshold of military action' because fewer humans were at risk.

The drone technology would work 'just like the brain of the human body' in wartime, the research by the Center for a New American Security found.

Read more ....

Update #1: China is unleashing killer robots and stealth drones that carry out targeted airstrikes without a human pressing the fire button (The SUN)
Update #2: China’s military is rushing to use artificial intelligence (Technology Review)

WNU editor: China may be pursuing these weapon systems, but they are concerned .... China is worried an AI arms race could lead to accidental war (Verge).

Chinese Drones Now Have The Ability To 'Talk' To Fighter Pilots

China’s new stealth drone, the Sky Hawk, went on display to the public at Airshow China in November. Photo: China Aerospace Science

SCMP: China’s Sky Hawk stealth drone has capability to ‘talk’ to fighter pilots, developer says

* Manned-unmanned teaming technology allows aircraft – with or without pilots – to communicate and collaborate during surveillance and combat operations
* But despite claims, system is still only in development stage, expert says

One of China’s newest stealth drones, the Sky Hawk, features state-of-the-art technology that allows it to communicate and collaborate with manned aircraft during surveillance and combat operations, its developer said.

Known as manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T), the technology means pilots and ground staff can receive information from drones to improve their situational awareness while allowing them to remain at a safe distance.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: The Chinese are rushing to feed a demand .... Chinese drone technology flooding the market in the Middle East (Middle East Eye).