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Drones

Drones
The latest news, analysis and opinion on drones, especially Chinese drone makers and drone usage.
The PLA has released fresh details of its tests of AI-enabled drone swarm warfare by the National University of Defence Technology. Photo: CCTV
China's military weapons

1 soldier, 200 drones: China showcases rapid launch in swarm warfare tactics

State broadcaster details how intelligent tech is used in the PLA’s ability to control masses of autonomous aircraft.

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Electric & new energy vehicles

China’s flying car makers aim for deliveries this year as passenger use nears

Low-altitude economy

Shanghai to open ‘free-to-fly’ zones covering 46% of city for consumer drones

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China's military weapons

Could China draw battlefield inspiration from Ukraine’s drone-borne micro bombs?

Leading defence scientist shares details of the creative ways Ukrainian forces are modifying hand grenades and other devices.

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The merits of modified explosives carried by drones is the subject of an article in a magazine managed by China’s state-owned defence industry giant Norinco. Photo: Getty Images
Ukraine war

Almost half of Kyiv without heat, power after massive Russian strike

Over 5,600 buildings lose heat in sub-zero temperatures as Russia targets energy grids amid ongoing US-led peace negotiations.

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Indonesia

US drone demand puts Indonesia’s strategic balance to the test

According to a leaked document, Washington proposed lowering tariffs if Indonesia bought US-made drones and publicly announced the purchase.

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Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong to develop low-altitude sector blueprint as firms eye overseas expansion

Logistics chief Mable Chan says city well positioned for growth given established legal regime and status as financial hub.

Hong Kong industry players are set to go for their first overseas trip to explore belt and road markets alongside mainland Chinese firms. Photo: Sam Tsang
Accidents and personal safety

Hong Kong driver avoids injury after drone crashes onto Tesla roof

Police are searching for the owner of a drone that fell out of the sky and damaged a Tesla stopped at traffic lights in Jordan.

Taiwan

PLA sends drone into airspace near Taiwan-held Pratas Island in South China Sea

Southern Theatre Command cites ‘completely legitimate’ routine flight training, while Taipei calls it ‘provocative and irresponsible’ act.

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Trending in China

China ‘hardcore grandma’ live-streamer gains fame for farm fertilisation drone skills

Dai views her new role as both a source of entertainment and a way to stay connected with her family.

An 82-year-old Chinese grandmother is gaining fame for her drone skills in farm fertilisation and as a live-streamer selling rice, earning admiration as a role model for modern farmers. Photo: Xinhua
Japan

Japan’s next-generation fighter jet project gets boost as European rival stalls

Germany, France and Spain have put their project on hold, prompting speculation that some may turn to the Japan-UK-Italy programme.

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Delegates look at the GCAP sixth-generation fighter jet concept design at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024. Photo: AFP
Kim Jong-un

Video | Kim’s sister blames ‘gang of hooligans’ in Seoul for drone

Kim Yo-jong’s latest statement claimed that captured drone footage included images of a uranium mine, border guard posts and the closed inter-Korean industrial complex at Kaesong.

North Korea

‘Gang of hooligans’: rebuke from North Korea signals icy ties with South

The unusually coarse language from Kim Jong-un’s sister shows that Pyongyang has no intention of reconciling with Seoul, experts say.

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China's military weapons

China set to supercharge radar, engine and AI in fifth-gen J-20 stealth fighter

Analyst tells state media Mighty Dragon’s airborne weapons are expected to have a longer range and stronger anti-interference capabilities.

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A military analyst interviewed by state broadcaster CCTV indicates that China’s J-20 stealth fighters are set for avionics upgrades on its radar, engines and AI integration. Photo: CCTV
North Korea

North Korea revives drone claims in rebuff to Seoul’s outreach

Analysts dismiss the ‘implausible’ breach involving low-tech devices as a ploy, backing Seoul’s denial that its military was involved.

An image released by North Korean state media that claims to show one of the drones Pyongyang’s military said it had intercepted from South Korea. Photo: KCNA/Handout
US-China relations

US government abandons plan to blacklist Chinese-made drones

Commerce Department, FCC make U-turn after barring imports of new Chinese drone models in December to address national security concerns.

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Artificial intelligence

Chinese robot vacuum maker Dreame sees AI-driven appliances run household chores

The firm’s ambition is to become a ‘world-class technology company’, global president Chang Xinwei says.

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Hong Kong economy

The Drone Age: hi-tech wizardry propels Hong Kong towards lift-off

As Hong Kong prepares to enter the era of flying taxis, key players roll out groundbreaking innovations at the cutting edge of technology.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
Hong Kong economy

Thousands of passenger, cargo drones will fill Hong Kong skies in decade: expert

Mainland Chinese eVTOL leader AutoFlight will spread wings in Hong Kong amid global push into flying taxi market.

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China’s military drills

PLA drills target swarms of suicide drones – Taiwan’s front line of defence

CCTV footage shows naval unit conducting anti-drone and uncrewed target exercises as mainland China’s military launches 2026 training cycle.

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Ukraine war

Trump says Ukraine did not target Putin residence, disputing Russia’s claim

US president says no evidence Novgorod estate was targeted, even as Russia reports an uptick in drone interceptions in the Moscow region.

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Wreckage of a drone that was shot down allegedly during an attempted strike on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s official residence in the northwestern Novgorod region. Russian Defence Ministry via EPA
Africa

War in Sudan: drone strikes cut power supply in oil-rich south

Over the past week, some 15,000 people have been displaced from the region, according to the UN’s International Organization for Migration.

Sudanese protesters take part in a rally in support of the Sudanese Army and against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), in Merowe, about 330 kilometres north of Khartoum, Sudan, on December 13 last year. Photo: EPA-EFE
Ukraine war

Zelensky proposes appointing First Deputy PM Fedorov as Ukraine defence minister

In big government shake-up, Zelensky also said he is appointing spy chief Kyrylo Budanov as head of the presidential office.

Taiwan

Just how close did a PLA drone come to the heart of Taipei during drill?

Footage shared by a mainland military social media account shows Taipei 101 but it’s not clear when it was taken.

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Ukraine war

Russia claims Ukrainian drone strike kills 24 in occupied Kherson

Moscow accuses Kyiv of New Year’s Eve attack on civilians as diplomats scramble to save fragile peace talks.

Flames and smoke rise after a reported Ukrainian drone strike on a hotel and cafe in Russian-controlled Khorly, Kherson Region on Thursday. Photo: Governor of Kherson Region Vladimir Saldo via Telegram/Reuters
Ukraine war

CIA concludes Ukraine did not target Putin’s residence in drone strike

CIA findings contradict Moscow’s allegations. Kyiv calls the claim a pretext to escalate war and stall peace talks.

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers his traditional televised New Year’s Address on December 31, 2025. Photo: EPA/Sputnik
China's military weapons

Is China’s truck-mounted catapult system enabling merchant aircraft carriers?

Scalable truck-based launch track pictured on modified cargo ship raises questions about drone war potential.

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Ukraine war

US Nato envoy casts doubt on Russian claim Ukraine attacked Putin residence

Matthew Whitaker says it’s ‘unclear’ alleged attack on Putin residence happened, as Moscow vows retaliation for ‘terrorist act’.

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