How China is adapting lessons from Ukraine-Russia war at strategic level

Defense Express writes about this.

According to the publication, the Chinese military is particularly interested in inexpensive drones, including both FPV (first-person view) drones and long-range kamikaze drones like the Shahed. They've also introduced cheaper drones designed for reconnaissance and target engagement at long ranges, capable of operating autonomously and withstanding electronic warfare.

Defense Express notes that to push this forward, the Chinese Air Force launched a nationwide competition in November. The goal is to submit six types of drones for testing. These drones must be able to identify real targets from decoys in a complex, jamming environment within a set time and then strike those targets. The selection criteria are 70% focused on technological capability and 30% on cost. The top three proposals will be added to the Ministry of Defense's procurement list.

“China understands that its ability to produce low-cost UAVs in large quantities is a major strategic advantage, offering them an asymmetric edge”, Defense Express experts add.

China’s Ministry of Defense is also pushing for “intelligent warfare,” aiming to create automated systems that control troops and assets using artificial intelligence. At the same time, it is taking strategic steps. In April, China restructured its Strategic Support Forces into three separate units: Aerospace Forces (essentially just space forces, separate from the Air Force), Cyber Forces, and Information Support Forces, which are tasked with building and managing military information networks.

Learning from Russia, China is actively using electronic warfare to counter Western weapons. It’s also exploring the use of ground drones for logistics and mini-drones for infantry units.

• Ukrainian manufacturers made a drone with the tactical and technical characteristics of the Chinese Mavic.