https://www.scmp.com/rss/521894/feed Norinco, formally China North Industries Group Corporation Limited, is a major Chinese state-owned defence and manufacturing conglomerate headquartered in Beijing. It specialises in a vast array of military products, including tanks, missiles, and guided bombs, supplying both domestic and international clients, particularly in developing nations. Beyond defence, Norinco has diversified into civilian sectors like engineering, energy, and infrastructure. Recognised as one of the world’s largest... en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Liu Zhen Liu Zhen Japan plans to introduce a fleet of kamikaze drones and low-cost missiles to boost deterrence against regional threats including China, according to Japanese media reports. The Yomiuri newspaper and Kyodo news agency reported on Wednesday that the strategy was focused on “integrated attacks” from unmanned aerial vehicles and long-range stand-off missiles, citing government and ruling coalition sources. They said the drones and missiles would be used to break down enemy air defences and... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3348960/eye-china-japan-looks-kamikaze-drones-and-low-cost-missiles?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3348960/eye-china-japan-looks-kamikaze-drones-and-low-cost-missiles?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Apr 2026 10:00:23 +0000 Alcott Wei Alcott Wei China has conducted the maiden flight of the Changying-8, which it says is the world’s heaviest multi-terrain cargo drone with the potential for military applications. The CY-8, which was developed under defence contractor China North Industries Group Corporation Limited (Norinco), is capable of short take-offs and landings as well as operating on high-altitude plateaus and island regions. According to state broadcaster CCTV, the drone successfully completed its maiden flight on Tuesday morning... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3348559/china-tests-worlds-heaviest-cargo-drone-suited-high-altitude-and-island-operations?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3348559/china-tests-worlds-heaviest-cargo-drone-suited-high-altitude-and-island-operations?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:29:17 +0000 Liu Zhen Liu Zhen While Iranian Shahed-136 suicide drones recently drew attention for destroying key US radars and striking targets as far away as Cyprus in the US-Israel war on Iran, their distant “cousins” in China may pose an even higher risk in a future conflict. China’s ASN-301 shares the Iranian drone’s aerodynamic delta-wing design that is rooted in a common technological origin. The Chinese drone and its variants have evolved into either a highly sophisticated SEAD (suppression of enemy air defences)... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3347494/why-chinas-asn-301-suicide-drone-more-deadly-its-iranian-counterpart?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3347494/why-chinas-asn-301-suicide-drone-more-deadly-its-iranian-counterpart?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Mar 2026 14:00:13 +0000 Zhang Tong Zhang Tong A private company in China providing intelligence-gathering services to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) claims to have intercepted radio signals from American stealth bombers that struck Iran on March 1 as part of the US-Israel military action. Jingan Technology, a defence technology firm based in east China’s Hangzhou, also asserted that it detected signals linked to US military activities well before tensions with Iran escalated, using artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse early... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3346200/chinese-firm-claims-it-intercepted-b-2-radio-signal-during-us-strike-iran?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3346200/chinese-firm-claims-it-intercepted-b-2-radio-signal-during-us-strike-iran?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Mar 2026 12:00:09 +0000 Liu Zhen Liu Zhen China has lowered the operational cost of an anti-drone high-power microwave (HPM) system to just a few yuan per shot, making it a cost-effective option for policing applications, according to a state media report. The launch of an urban police anti-drone swarm microwave defence system marked a further reduction in cost and increased accessibility of HPM technology as it expanded into civilian applications, state broadcaster CCTV said on Saturday. Developed by state-owned 081 Electronics Group,... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3346106/how-cheaply-can-china-fend-drone-swarm-its-latest-microwave-weapon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3346106/how-cheaply-can-china-fend-drone-swarm-its-latest-microwave-weapon?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Mar 2026 11:00:11 +0000 Liu Zhen Liu Zhen Beijing appears to be testing its 155mm (6.1-inch) naval gun to boost the PLA Navy’s land-attack firepower. The weapon would be the biggest in the People’s Liberation Army’s naval arsenal and could be useful in an amphibious operation against Taiwan. Photos of the massive weapon mounted on the bow of a test vessel have recently emerged on Chinese social media. The location was identified as the Liaonan shipyard in Dalian, in China’s northeastern Liaoning province. The estimated barrel length and... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3344362/chinas-155mm-naval-gun-seen-test-vessel-signalling-boost-amphibious-landing-power?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3344362/chinas-155mm-naval-gun-seen-test-vessel-signalling-boost-amphibious-landing-power?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Feb 2026 13:00:08 +0000 Jevans Nyabiage Jevans Nyabiage As France’s influence fades and with Russian weapons in limited supply, a “military vacuum” has been created in West and Central Africa that China is uniquely positioned to fill, according to analysts. In a January report in the official journal China Military to Civilian, arms supplier China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation said Beijing was leveraging its reputation for “cost-effective technology and flexible financing” in Africa. This follows a wave of military coups across... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3342903/how-military-vacuum-west-and-central-africa-opened-new-markets-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3342903/how-military-vacuum-west-and-central-africa-opened-new-markets-china?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Feb 2026 04:00:11 +0000 Amber Wang Amber Wang China has showcased a range of uncrewed platforms – including a drone for anti-submarine warfare – at the World Defence Show in Saudi Arabia, as demand grows in the region for autonomous systems. More than 770 exhibitors from 76 countries are taking part in the defence show in Riyadh, which opened on Sunday and runs until Thursday. China has one of the biggest pavilions at the show, and a full-scale model of the Wing Loong-X unmanned aerial vehicle is among the Chinese drones drawing... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3342898/chinese-drone-anti-submarine-warfare-among-systems-saudi-defence-show?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3342898/chinese-drone-anti-submarine-warfare-among-systems-saudi-defence-show?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Feb 2026 10:00:10 +0000 Liu Zhen,Seong Hyeon Choi Liu Zhen,Seong Hyeon Choi Thailand, a US treaty ally, has been adding to its arsenal of Chinese-made weapons with deals for ships, tanks and other high-value hardware. Analysts put the trend down to pragmatic considerations. The Royal Thai Army has finalised a deal to buy an additional batch of Chinese-made VN-1 armoured vehicles for 1 billion baht (US$32 million). This is expected to add around 20 new units to its existing fleet of more than 100 VN-1s, according to local media reports. The contract was signed on January... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3341089/why-thailand-us-treaty-ally-stocking-chinese-weapons?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3341089/why-thailand-us-treaty-ally-stocking-chinese-weapons?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 24 Jan 2026 10:00:16 +0000 Alcott Wei Alcott Wei China could learn from Ukraine about using drones to launch modified small and micro aerial bombs, a leading Chinese weapons expert said. Cai Yi, chief scientist of China North Industries Group Corporation (Norinco), said in an interview earlier this month that aerial bomb strikes by Ukrainian drones provided “a valuable example for observing drone warfare”. China could draw inspiration from Ukraine’s experience in developing small drone-borne bombs, Cai added in the interview, which appeared in... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3340685/could-china-draw-battlefield-inspiration-ukraines-drone-borne-micro-bombs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3340685/could-china-draw-battlefield-inspiration-ukraines-drone-borne-micro-bombs?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Jan 2026 10:01:39 +0000 Liu Zhen Liu Zhen China’s new high-power microwave system to counter drones has a longer range than its US military equivalent, according to its developer. The truck-mounted Hurricane 3000 was showcased during China’s huge military parade in September. This week its developer – state-owned defence contractor Norinco – disclosed some details of the weapon system for the first time. “Its effective interception range exceeds 3km [1.86 miles] against light and small [unmanned aerial vehicles] and drone swarms,... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3338877/chinas-powerful-new-microwave-weapon-system-can-destroy-drone-swarms-within-3km?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3338877/chinas-powerful-new-microwave-weapon-system-can-destroy-drone-swarms-within-3km?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 Jan 2026 02:00:11 +0000 William Zheng William Zheng Four former defence company bosses have been sacked by China’s top political advisory body amid an ongoing anti-corruption campaign in the military and related sectors. They are among eight members removed from the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) under a decision passed by the body’s National Committee in Beijing on Wednesday, according to state news agency Xinhua. Revocation of CPPCC membership – rather than resignation – typically signals suspicions of serious... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3337707/china-axes-8-top-advisory-body-cppcc-including-4-defence-firm-chiefs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3337707/china-axes-8-top-advisory-body-cppcc-including-4-defence-firm-chiefs?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Dec 2025 08:18:59 +0000 Liu Zhen Liu Zhen One of China’s newest main battle tanks, the Type 99B, is an upgraded model designed to perform better in high-altitude and cold weather operations, according to state media – suggesting it could be sent to the Himalayan border with India. The tank is the latest of the Type 99 armoured vehicles and was among the military hardware unveiled during China’s huge Victory Day parade in Beijing in September. State broadcaster CCTV reported on Thursday that the upgraded model has a raft of new features.... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3336467/chinese-main-battle-tank-upgraded-high-altitudes-could-be-sent-border-india?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3336467/chinese-main-battle-tank-upgraded-high-altitudes-could-be-sent-border-india?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 15 Dec 2025 12:00:30 +0000 Seong Hyeon Choi Seong Hyeon Choi Despite a sharp and record-breaking rise in overall global arms sales last year, the combined revenue of the eight Chinese firms listed in the weapons industry’s Top 100 fell drastically, a Swedish think tank has found. The 10 per cent fall to US$88.3 billion was also the biggest aggregated percentage drop among the countries with companies in the list, released on Monday by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The performance of the Chinese weapons giants was in stark... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3334509/chinas-scandal-hit-weapons-firms-drag-down-regional-sales-record-breaking-year?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3334509/chinas-scandal-hit-weapons-firms-drag-down-regional-sales-record-breaking-year?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 30 Nov 2025 23:01:08 +0000 Yuanyue Dang Yuanyue Dang A Chinese military journal has revealed the surprising cost-effectiveness of China’s mass-produced suicide drones, positioning them as a major threat in modern warfare and an especially appealing acquisition for potential customers such as Pakistan. The latest issue of Ordnance Industry Science Technology has revealed that the Feilong-300D reconnaissance and attack drone, which debuted at the Zhuhai air show last year, could be priced as low as US$10,000 per unit. The report provided the first... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3331052/low-cost-killer-can-chinas-feilong-300d-suicide-drone-deter-rivals-and-impress-buyers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3331052/low-cost-killer-can-chinas-feilong-300d-suicide-drone-deter-rivals-and-impress-buyers?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 02 Nov 2025 10:00:12 +0000 Liu Zhen Liu Zhen Chinese arms makers should explore the use of artificial intelligence in the development of weapons to improve efficiency and quality, according to a state-run defence industry magazine. But the article in the latest issue of Modern Weaponry also noted that AI technology had risks and challenges and its use should be approached with caution. “Artificial intelligence will leverage its self-learning capabilities in the development of weapons and equipment, serving as an advisory tool that provides... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3329069/chinese-arms-makers-urged-embrace-ai-technology-weapons-development?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3329069/chinese-arms-makers-urged-embrace-ai-technology-weapons-development?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Oct 2025 11:00:11 +0000 Amber Wang Amber Wang The futuristic drones, intercontinental missiles and laser and microwave systems that rolled through central Beijing on Wednesday reflect not only the intensity of China’s military modernisation drive but also advances in the research and manufacturing ecosystem that has sprung up to develop it. At least five nuclear-capable missile types made their debut during the military parade – three can reportedly reach the continental United States; one is a submarine-launched ballistic missile; and the... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3324640/how-chinas-military-surged-ahead-tech-firing-competition-among-suppliers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3324640/how-chinas-military-surged-ahead-tech-firing-competition-among-suppliers?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 07 Sep 2025 14:00:11 +0000 Enoch Wong Enoch Wong Beijing’s massive military parade on Wednesday will feature China’s next-generation QBZ-191 rifles, described by state broadcaster CCTV as the “Transformers of the rifle world”. The guards of honour in the parade will carry the new rifle, which made its first public appearance at the 70th National Day parade in 2019, and marked China’s departure from the bullpup-configured QBZ-95 that had been standard since 1997. The QBZ-191, part of the Type 20 weapons family with variants for different combat... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3324051/honour-guards-chinas-military-parade-carry-plas-latest-qbz-191-rifles?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3324051/honour-guards-chinas-military-parade-carry-plas-latest-qbz-191-rifles?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Sep 2025 09:43:26 +0000 Amber Wang Amber Wang China is on a mission to turn its military into a modern fighting force. In the second of this four-part series, we look at how its massive defence industry can support China’s military goals, and during wartime could be further bolstered by the civilian manufacturing sector. In the northeastern city of Shenyang, the future of China’s defence manufacturing capacity is rapidly taking shape – an enormous new aviation industrial complex that will eventually occupy an area about the size of 600... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3322933/china-bets-military-industrial-might-outproduce-and-outlast-rivals-us?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3322933/china-bets-military-industrial-might-outproduce-and-outlast-rivals-us?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 23 Aug 2025 22:00:18 +0000 Seong Hyeon Choi Seong Hyeon Choi As tensions intensify across the Taiwan Strait, Beijing has ramped up its firepower capacity to prepare for a possible war in the region. One of the weapon systems key to these efforts is the PHL-16, a truck-mounted self-propelled multiple rocket launcher (MRL) that incorporates modular design and long-range precision-strike capabilities. The system is often described as the mainland Chinese version of Lockheed Martin’s High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (Himars) that Taiwan has bought and... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3322516/phl16-multiple-rocket-launcher-chinas-answer-us-himars-system?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3322516/phl16-multiple-rocket-launcher-chinas-answer-us-himars-system?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 20 Aug 2025 22:00:30 +0000 Seong Hyeon Choi Seong Hyeon Choi China is preparing for a military parade next month to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War II, with the People’s Liberation Army expected to showcase its latest line-up of land-based weapons systems. One of the systems playing a crucial role in Chinese ground forces is the Type 99A main battle tank (MBT), which incorporates multiple advanced technologies to enhance survivability and firing capability. While China continues to focus on modernising its navy and air force,... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3320318/type-99a-chinas-most-advanced-tank-delivers-firepower-agility-and-survivability?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3320318/type-99a-chinas-most-advanced-tank-delivers-firepower-agility-and-survivability?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 19 Aug 2025 01:00:08 +0000 Jevans Nyabiage Jevans Nyabiage China is equipping Burkina Faso’s military and positioning itself for greater influence in the Sahel, filling a vacuum left by the collapse of security partnerships with Western nations, especially the United States and France. The move is part of a broader modernisation plan that the Burkinabe government, headed by junta leader Ibrahim Traoré, announced in late 2023 amid growing insecurity waged by jihadist militants, mostly affiliated with al-Qaeda and Islamic State. After a complex diplomatic... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3321831/china-arms-burkina-faso-sahel-turns-away-western-security-promises?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3321831/china-arms-burkina-faso-sahel-turns-away-western-security-promises?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 16 Aug 2025 11:00:09 +0000 Stephen Chen Stephen Chen Precision-guided bunker busters fly slowly but carry massive warheads wrapped in thick armour. Small nations without air power watch helplessly as bombs fall. When US B-2 stealth bombers struck Iran’s nuclear sites with GBU-57 MOP (Massive Ordnance Penetrator) bunker busters on June 22, there was reportedly little resistance. Chinese researchers have offered a countermeasure: strike the weak flank. Although the bomb’s nose armour is thick, its steel sides are thin and measure just a few... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3318518/how-stop-us-bunker-busters-chinese-scientists-have-idea?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3318518/how-stop-us-bunker-busters-chinese-scientists-have-idea?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 19 Jul 2025 14:00:10 +0000