China is closely studying the use of drones in Russia’s war against Ukraine, drawing lessons from battlefield innovations to modernise its military capabilities and develop countermeasures against potential attacks on its own infrastructure, according to an analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
Researchers examined more than 90 publications from Chinese military academies, defence companies and specialised journals, finding that new tactical developments from the Ukrainian battlefield typically appear in Chinese military analysis within four months. Incorporating those lessons into weapons systems and military training, however, generally takes a year or longer.
Chinese military researchers are paying particular attention to the integration of reconnaissance and strike drones, including the coordination of surveillance UAVs with Lancet loitering munitions, the use of fibre-optic FPV drones and methods for reducing the time between identifying a target and striking it to just a few minutes.
According to CSIS, Chinese analysts have shown particular interest in Ukrainian operations, studying them as potential models for attacks against China’s own military facilities.
Ukraine’s use of maritime drones against Russia’s Black Sea Fleet has influenced Chinese efforts to strengthen the protection of warships and ports.
Operation Spiderweb, Ukraine’s coordinated drone attack on Russian strategic aviation bases, has also prompted Chinese military exercises focused on countering small drones launched near airfields.
Just four and a half months after the operation, Chinese forces conducted exercises involving more than 20 strike-drone operators and electronic detection systems reportedly capable of identifying over 800 models of commercial drones.
