China showcases full spectrum of drone technology in ‘border control’ exercise
Simulation features latest OW-5 anti-laser weapon, special combat tactical devices and full range of Norinco’s Flying Dragon series
The drone and counter-drone exercise at a testing ground in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region simulated the “seizure and control of critical border locations”, state broadcaster CCTV reported.
It said numerous domestically made systems were deployed in live operations across six phases of the futuristic battlefield scenario, covering reconnaissance, AI planning, infiltration, aerial attack, elimination and anti-access.
Ground equipment, from smart command and control systems to anti-drone defences, was also on show at Monday’s exercise.
An OW-5 anti-drone laser weapon carried out a live-fire demonstration in a rare public display. Its “high-energy beam barely visible to bare eyes” shot down a target drone “a few kilometres away”, the CCTV report said.
The OW5 series was first unveiled at the Zhuhai air show in 2021 as a static exhibit, and the latest presentation showcased the upgraded OW5-A50 with a 50-kilowatt power output. The system integrates the command-and-control station, radar and electro-optical sensors, power module and laser gun into one 8x8 Dongfeng heavy-chassis truck. It can perform key point air defence either with a stand-alone vehicle or as part of an integrated network protection system.