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

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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

Published: 11:16pm, 28 Nov 2019Updated: 11:29am, 29 Nov 2019

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.

“It is suitable for circumstances that include asymmetric combat, counterterrorism and special forces [operations] and street battles,” the report said.

The report said the manufacturers were analysing the data from the most recent test, but did not say when the Tianyi would move from development into production.

The Tianyi mini quadcopter is seen here; the intention is to use it to increase the army’s street effectiveness. Photo: Weibo

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