One of the show’s highlights was the debut of the FK-4000 mobile air defence weapon by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). This high-power microwave (HPM) system has been engineered to intercept micro drones, which are notoriously difficult to detect and neutralize due to their size and agility. Featuring an 8-meter antenna array, the FK-4000 can unleash microwave blasts that disable drones within a 3-kilometre range in under a second, making it a formidable defence against mass drone swarms that could otherwise overwhelm traditional defence systems.

“Micro and small drones have transformed modern warfare with their ability to conduct surveillance, target detection, and even offensive attacks in large numbers,” said one defence analyst at the show. “The FK-4000 demonstrates China’s significant strides in counter-drone technology, highlighting a trend towards electronic and non-kinetic defence measures.”

China’s ambitions in the domain of unmanned vehicles weren’t limited to aerial platforms. Also on display was the “Killer Whale” stealth drone ship, a new trimaran vessel built by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation. Designed for open-sea missions, this unmanned vessel boasts an operational range exceeding 7,000 kilometres. With a 500-ton displacement, it can remain at sea for extended periods, conducting reconnaissance and surveillance or supporting maritime operations without a human crew. The introduction of such a ship into China’s arsenal underscores the growing role of autonomous systems in naval operations and coastal defence.

This surge in drone innovation is part of China’s broader drive to assert its technological dominance across all domains of modern warfare. The “Killer Whale” is expected to play a critical role in China’s “low-altitude economy,” a burgeoning field that includes the use of drones for logistics, surveillance, and even sightseeing.

In addition to military hardware, Zhuhai highlighted developments in civilian drone applications, with a strong focus on flying cars designed for sightseeing, surveillance, and logistics in densely populated urban environments. China has been rapidly expanding its low-altitude economy, aiming to integrate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into everyday life at altitudes below 3,000 meters.

Shanghai has taken the lead in driving this market, with drone and flying car prototypes that could redefine urban mobility and logistics. This push is in line with the government’s vision of a technology-driven society where UAVs play a significant role in both civilian and military sectors.

The technology on display at Zhuhai serves as a reminder of the growing complexity and intensity of unmanned aerial systems in modern warfare and defence. As tensions mount over Taiwan and other key geopolitical flashpoints in the Asia-Pacific region, these advancements highlight China’s commitment to bolstering its defence posture with cutting-edge technology.

The Zhuhai Air Show’s focus on swarming drones and counter-drone systems also signals an ongoing global arms race in drone technology. As countries continue to refine their own drone capabilities, experts warn that counter-drone systems will be crucial to maintaining defence integrity, especially in regions where drones are expected to play a significant role in future conflicts.

For military analysts and defence contractors attending the show, Zhuhai 2024 offers a crystal-clear message: China is not just keeping pace in the realm of drone warfare – it’s positioning itself at the forefront of an emerging era in which drones, both in the air and at sea, will be pivotal.