Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems
The expected arrival of fleets of swarming air separation drone units will pose new challenge to anti-drone systems. (Photo: UK Ministry of Defence via Wikimedia Commons)
As the dynamics of aerial combat rapidly evolve, Chinese scientists have engineered a sophisticated air separation drone model that can fragment into up to six drones, each capable of executing distinct battlefield roles and challenging the efficacy of current anti-drone defences such as the UK’s Dragonfire laser system.
In late March 2024, regional press announced that Chinese researchers had developed a military grade air separation drone model able to split into up to six separate drones.
Researchers at the Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, however, said the smaller drones could also operate together as a swarm, collaborating to complete a mission, with different drones taking on different tasks such as command, reconnaissance, tracking or launching a strike.
China’s breakthrough in air separation and swarm technology could significantly change drone warfare just as the conflict in Ukraine has been underlining the growing importance of drones on the modern
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official]()
FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official
Prototypes from Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems recently passed through MOSA conformance trials and flight tests.
-
![Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities]()
Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities
Funds for the second phase of this effort will be allocated in the US Department of Defense (DoD) FY2026 budget request.
-
![Exail to supply Caméléon unmanned demining robots to Belgium Armed Forces]()
Exail to supply Caméléon unmanned demining robots to Belgium Armed Forces
The Caméléon LG UGV includes remote operational capabilities and real-time hazard detection.
-
![Honeywell launches counter-swarm drone system to combat evolving warfare requirements]()
Honeywell launches counter-swarm drone system to combat evolving warfare requirements
The UAS, which detects and tracks drone swarms, will be demonstrated to the US Air Force Global Strike team in January 2025.
