China is developing a high-speed helicopter similar to the American Sikorsky S-97 Raider

New development: The Chinese response to the S-97 Raider

China, according to military analysts, is developing a new high-speed helicopter, the design of which strikingly resembles the American Sikorsky S-97 Raider. Despite the lack of official statements from the Chinese defense departments, the images and data about the project that have appeared indicate significant progress in creating a new-generation attack helicopter capable of reaching speeds significantly higher than those of traditional machines.

Comparison with the Sikorsky S-97 Raider

The American S-97 Raider is an experimental reconnaissance and attack helicopter with coaxial rotors and a pusher propeller in the tail section. This arrangement allows you to reach speeds of over 440 km / h, which is almost one and a half times higher than the capabilities of classic helicopters.

The Chinese prototype demonstrates a similar aerodynamic design.:

Coaxial screws (two main screws on the same axis, rotating in opposite directions);

Pusher propeller in the tail fin for additional thrust at cruising speeds;

Swept fuselage with narrow cabin, optimized to reduce drag.

This arrangement eliminates the need for a tail rotor and avoids the speed limitation effect associated with the shock wave on the rotor blades.

Technological challenges and achievements

The creation of helicopters with a coaxial circuit requires a high level of engineering training, especially in the field of:

Complex transmission control;

Vibration stabilization;

Aerodynamic control in transient flight modes.

The successful development of such a device indicates that Chinese engineers have mastered key technologies in the field of high-speed rotary aircraft. This may be part of a broader program to modernize the PLA's Aerospace Forces, aimed at increasing mobility and strike power.

Possible combat missions

If the helicopter is adopted, it is likely to be used in the following roles:

Reconnaissance and surveillance deep in enemy territory;

Strike operations against mobile and highly secure targets;

Special Operations — fast delivery and evacuation of special forces;

Escort for transport helicopters in anti-air defense conditions.

Its high speed and maneuverability make it especially valuable in a modern battlefield where reaction time is critical.

Geopolitical significance

The appearance of such a device in the Chinese arsenal strengthens the technological rivalry with the United States in the field of military aviation. Although the S-97 Raider has not yet been adopted by the US army, China may seek to get ahead of the deployment of such systems, especially in regions such as the Taiwan Strait or the South China Sea.

China for the first time showed a large-sized unmanned underwater vehicle before the Victory Day parade over Japan

In preparation for the military parade in Beijing dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the victory over Japan in World War II, China for the first time publicly demonstrated a large-scale unmanned underwater vehicle (UAV). His appearance caused a wide response among military experts and analysts.

The device, whose images appeared in Chinese state media and satellite images, is notable for its significant size, which indicates its strategic purpose. Experts suggest that this underwater drone may be part of China's new program to create an underwater strategic deterrent weapon.

Special attention is drawn to the similarity of the concept with the Russian nuclear-powered unmanned underwater vehicle Poseidon. By analogy, the Chinese UAV is probably designed to perform ultra-long-range missions, including delivering a powerful nuclear warhead to the enemy's coast or defeating aircraft carrier groups. Such vehicles are capable of moving at great depth, at high speed, and over vast distances, making them extremely difficult to detect and intercept.

Although official data on the characteristics of the device is not yet available, its demonstration against the background of a large-scale parade signals China's serious ambitions in the development of autonomous underwater weapons. This could be an important element in modernizing the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy and strengthening its strategic capabilities in the Pacific Ocean.

The latest armored vehicles have been delivered to Beijing to participate in the military parade

The latest armored vehicles have arrived in the capital of China, Beijing, which will be publicly presented for the first time at the upcoming military parade. The event is timed to coincide with an important state date and will demonstrate the level of development of the country's military-industrial complex.

The vehicles shown will include a new main battle tank, a modern armored personnel carrier and an infantry fighting vehicle. These samples reflect the latest achievements of Chinese defense production in the field of mobility, protection, firepower and digitalization of combat systems.

The exact names and models of the equipment have not yet been officially announced, but experts note that the new items are likely to be equipped with improved fire control systems, active protection, and integrated into a common network of intelligence and command and control. This makes it possible to increase the effectiveness of interaction between units in real combat conditions.

The display of new armored vehicles at the parade is traditionally seen as a signal of technological progress and increased combat readiness of the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA). Such events emphasize the country's policy of modernizing the armed forces and strengthening its defense capability.

"Robot wolves": China for the first time showed armed four-legged combat robots at military exercises

At the latest military exercises of the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA), a pack of new combat robots, the so-called "wolf robots", was seen for the first time. These impressive four—legged machines weigh about 70 kilograms, look larger and more powerful than their predecessors - "robot dogs" — and are equipped with automatic weapons such as assault rifles.

"Wolf robots" are able to work side by side with live soldiers, move over rough terrain, climb ladders, keep up with infantry on the offensive and perform a variety of tasks: from reconnaissance and fire support to cargo transportation.

The peculiarity of these robots is that they can act in packs, distributing tasks among themselves — someone conducts reconnaissance, another delivers targeted strikes, the third provides cover or accompanies cargo. The pack is controlled by a leader who coordinates actions and provides communication with operators and drones.

FPV drones, controlled by fighters in camouflage suits, are circling around the "robot wolves" during the exercises. Drones help to target and correct the actions of robots, providing real feedback for the most effective human-machine interaction.

Such developments are a significant step towards deeper robotization of the army and reducing the risks for live fighters in combat conditions, especially in difficult mountainous and urban areas. Experts point out that such machines exert significant psychological pressure on the enemy and are capable of performing tasks that previously required only manpower.

Chinese media claim that the introduction of "robot wolves" will improve the effectiveness of the offensive and innovatively change the tactics of future wars.

Wolf robots go on the attack: how China is testing war dogs in exercises with soldiers

 

Imagine a picture: a group of soldiers of the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) crouching under "fire", performing tactical maneuvers on a hillside. And next to them, predator robots, resembling wolves, move clearly and silently without stopping. They're not hiding. They're moving forward.  

This is not a scene from a fantasy movie — this is a real military exercise, during which China is testing a new generation of combat robots capable of working closely with live military personnel. These machines, which look like four—legged dogs or predators, are already called "robops" or "robovolkas" - and they are becoming an increasingly serious part of the army of the future.

 How does it work?

The robots are controlled remotely by an operator, but at the same time demonstrate impressive autonomy. The lightweight version is especially interesting — judging by the footage, it is equipped with a LiDAR system that scans the area and builds a 3D map of the environment in real time. This allows robots to move confidently through difficult terrain: rocks, mud, slopes and forests — where it is difficult for humans, and it is easy for vehicles to get stuck on tracks.

What can they do?

— They move through any terrain — from swamps to mountains.  

— They can carry modules with weapons and fire at a range of up to 100 meters with high accuracy.  

— They work in conjunction with soldiers, performing reconnaissance, diversionary maneuvers or even fire support.  

— During the exercises, they continued to move while the soldiers "covered themselves" from the simulated fire, showing that the vehicles are considered an extension of the combat unit, and not just auxiliary equipment.

China is clearly following the path of army hybridization: soldier + robot. Such vehicles reduce the risks for live fighters, allow them to clear buildings faster, patrol borders and operate in dangerous conditions — with chemical threats, radiation or in conditions of high ambush activity.

The wolf robots are not just a technology show. This is a signal: the future of war is already here, and it barks not for real, but at the operator's command.

Chinese military men now wear "iron suits": Exoskeletons on PLA ships take over the cargo

The Chinese army is keeping up with the times — now soldiers of the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) on ships are working in exoskeletons so as not to break their backs when loading and unloading heavy boxes, ammunition and equipment. This is no longer fiction and not just a test at a training ground — real military personnel use these "mechanical suits" in real conditions, where every meter of space is worth its weight in gold, and loads are not easy.

Exoskeletons work as an invisible helper: they do not move due to batteries or motors, but cleverly redistribute the load from the muscles and spine of the soldier to their design. Imagine: you lift a 50-kilogram box, but you feel like you're carrying half as much. It's not because you've become stronger— it's because the exoskeleton takes on the brunt, redirecting it through the frame directly into the ground.

Such devices are passive exoskeletons, meaning they are not autonomous, but enhance the movements of the person himself. No wires, batteries, or complicated electronics. It's just smart mechanics that turn on with every movement, reducing fatigue and, most importantly, minimizing the risk of back and joint injuries. And on a rocking ship, where you need to keep your balance and drag cargo through narrow passages, this is especially valuable.

For the army, this is not just a convenience, but an increase in efficiency and endurance. A soldier can work longer, faster, and without exhaustion. This means that the ship is ready for combat or for the transfer of cargo many times faster. This is especially important in an environment where every minute counts and people's physical resources are limited.

China is not the first to use exoskeletons, but it is actively and systematically introducing them into the army. Such technologies are already being used not only in the navy, but also in logistics — in China, for example, loaders in Beijing and Shanghai have long been working in "robosuits" in warehouses. Even in Russia and the USA, their use is being discussed. And in China, this is already part of the daily service.

This is another step towards the "smart army of the future," where a soldier is not just a fighter, but part of a high-tech system. And if earlier the victory depended on the number of people, now it depends on how well the car helps the person.

China is testing Shuiqiao amphibious barges for a covert amphibious operation off the coast of Taiwan

 

The People's Liberation Army of China is testing new Shuiqiao-class barges in the coastal waters after completion at the Guangzhou shipyard, according to Chinese military observers. Each amphibious vessel is equipped with a self-lifting platform and a ramp with a 120-meter-long mechanized bridge, which makes it possible to ferry across impassable terrain and disembark from warships.

The barge tests are taking place against the background of increased PLA activity. Military experts in Taipei, Taiwan's capital, believe that the coastal islands are likely to be the first target of an attack by Chinese forces, and are preparing to repel it. Apparently, the fears are not groundless, since the exercises organized by the PLA on amphibious landings involving the Shuiqiao barges took place 1.5 km from the coast of Fujian Province, while the ZBD-05 infantry fighting vehicles attacked the "beaches" of the alleged enemy.

The appearance of the Shuiqiao barges in the PLA arsenal indicates a large-scale modernization of the armed forces of the People's Republic of China and an increase in military power for operations in coastal regions. They open up new landing opportunities along the entire coast of Taiwan, especially in poorly protected areas and estuaries. Their maneuverability and civilian appearance complicate a defensive strategy and may pose an asymmetric threat to Taiwan.

While Chinese observers claim that the main purpose of the Shuiqiao barges is to quickly eliminate the consequences of natural disasters, Western commentators find similarities with the multi—purpose barges of World War II, with which the Allies were engaged in unloading ammunition and transport on the shores of Normandy.

The Taiwanese military fears that such vessels could bypass fortified beaches and ensure a quick PLA landing on coastal islands such as Kinmen or Matsue, long before the island's main defense forces can react.

ASML and TSMC have ways to disable the world's most sophisticated chip manufacturing machines in the event of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. We are talking about EUV equipment, which allows you to print the smallest transistors of chips for artificial intelligence and military developments. The cost of one such car starts from 200 million euros. In fact, this is a backup way to deprive China of possible spoils of war — earlier, the leadership of TSMC and the Taiwanese authorities had already stated that all the company's factories would be blown up in the event of an invasion. But if the PRC manages to prevent an explosion, the EUV scanners will be destroyed through remote diagnostic and configuration tools. Last year, ASML already conducted such exercises.

The US strike on Iran highlighted the need for China to develop H-20 strategic bombers

 

The US strike on Iran demonstrated the critical need for China to have modern strategic bombers capable of carrying out long-range strikes on different continents. Despite the success in developing sixth-generation fighter jets and long-range missiles, the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) does not yet have a modern strategic bomber. Currently, the obsolete H-6, which is an upgraded version of the Soviet Tu-16, is in service.  

Experts and military analysts in China are calling for speeding up the completion of the development of a new strategic bomber, the H-20, which will be able to carry out both nuclear and conventional strikes at long distances, providing China with the ability to strategically deter and project force. The shape of the flying wing and the assumed low visibility will allow the H-20 to compete with the American B-2 and B-21.  

Military commentator Song Zhongping stressed that strategic bombers remain an indispensable element of the armed forces even in the era of the development of other long-range weapons, as they provide unique flexibility and the ability to operate on all continents. The US B-2 strike on Iran was a signal to China that the possession of such capabilities is vital for the status of a major military power and regional security.  

China conducted its first public aerial refueling exercises with a Y-20U tanker and H-6N bombers

Y-20U tanker and H-6N strategic bomber

For the first time, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) publicly demonstrated its aerial refueling capabilities by conducting large-scale exercises involving the new Y-20U air tanker and H-6N strategic bombers. These maneuvers have become an important stage in the development of aviation infrastructure and the expansion of the range of Chinese strategic aviation.

Features of the exercises

- The Y-20U tanker is an upgraded version of the Y—20 transport aircraft, equipped with air refueling systems, which significantly increases the operational range of fighters and bombers.

- H—6N strategic bombers - capable of carrying cruise missiles and performing long-range strike missions.

- During the exercises, procedures for refueling in the air were worked out, including docking, fuel transfer and maneuvers in difficult conditions.

The public conduct of such exercises indicates the growth of the PLA's capabilities in the field of strategic aviation and increased readiness for long-range operations. Aerial refueling expands the range of bombers, allowing them to quickly respond to threats far beyond national borders.

The development of air refueling technologies and the expansion of the Y-20U tanker fleet will allow China to conduct larger and longer-term air operations in the future, which will significantly increase its influence on the international arena.

China has introduced a micro drone for infantry

 China has introduced a microdron resembling a thermos, weighing less than a kilogram (about 2 pounds), designed for use by the infantry of the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA). Despite its lightweight characteristics, the microdron can carry twice its own weight thanks to its coaxial twin-rotor system. It is equipped with a built-in neural processor that uses guidance based on artificial intelligence (AI), so one operator can control multiple drones simultaneously.

The Chinese drone, dubbed the "first of its kind," operates silently and is equipped with folding rotors, as well as modular payload bays, allowing it to carry out reconnaissance and attack missions.  It can be armed with a maximum of three grenades and launched from a 35mm grenade launcher for faster takeoff and longer range movement.

Three grenades on a drone

DeepSeek artificial intelligence helps China design new military aircraft

 

A leading engineer at the Shenyang Institute of Aircraft Engineering said that DeepSeek's artificial intelligence model is being actively used to develop new Chinese military aircraft. According to him, this technology already provides "new ideas and approaches" in the design process, significantly speeding up and optimizing the creation of advanced aviation systems.

The role of artificial intelligence in the aircraft industry

DeepSeek, a powerful AI model developed by Chinese specialists, is used to analyze huge amounts of data, generate innovative solutions, and model complex aerodynamic structures. This allows engineers to quickly find optimal solutions to create aircraft with improved performance such as maneuverability, stealth, and engine efficiency.

The Shenyang Institute of Aircraft Engineering, one of the key centers for the development of military aviation in China, has long been known for its achievements in the field of fighter jets and bombers. Now, thanks to the introduction of AI, the institute is reaching a new level of technological development.

Advantages of using DeepSeek

The integration of artificial intelligence into the design process allows not only to reduce development time, but also to minimize the cost of testing physical prototypes. DeepSeek is able to offer unique concepts that previously might have been overlooked due to limitations of human thinking or lack of data.

According to the lead designer, the use of AI has already allowed us to obtain several promising projects that are currently at various stages of development. These projects can form the basis for the next generation of Chinese military aircraft capable of competing with the best examples of global aviation.

The geopolitical context

The introduction of artificial intelligence technologies into China's military industry is causing serious concern in the international arena. The United States and its allies are closely monitoring the development of the Chinese defense industry, especially in the context of the technology and arms race. The creation of new military aircraft using AI can significantly enhance the combat capabilities of the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA).

The use of DeepSeek in the aircraft industry is only part of Beijing's larger strategy to modernize its armed forces. China is committed to using AI to achieve technological superiority in various fields, including space programs, cybersecurity, and unmanned systems.

The future of military aviation

The use of artificial intelligence in the design of military aircraft opens up new horizons for the development of aviation technology. However, this also raises important questions about the safety and ethics of using such technologies. The global community should carefully monitor how countries use AI for military purposes in order to prevent possible risks of conflict escalation.

China is actively developing anti-space technologies: new report

 According to a new report, China is rapidly developing a wide range of anti-space capabilities as part of its ongoing efforts to provide military power in orbit.

The report on global aerospace countermeasures capabilities for 2025, published on April 3 by the Secure World Foundation, provides an updated and comprehensive analysis of developments in various countries in the field of aerospace countermeasures, focusing on technologies and strategies that may pose a threat to space objects. The document says that China is making continuous efforts to develop a wide range of offensive anti-space attack weapons, and also describes in detail a number of activities in the field of direct ascension anti-satellite defense systems (ASAT), orbital anti-satellite systems, rendezvous and rendezvous operations (RPO), directed energy weapons and electronic warfare (EW). "Over the past decade, China has conducted numerous tests of technologies and capabilities that are either offensive anti—space attack weapons or can be used as such," the report says. 

Covering long-term developments, the report includes new activities over the past year. In particular, he suggests that China has deployed an experimental satellite in geostationary orbit (GSO) to practice space jamming, citing reports from the People's Liberation Army, which, for example, state that their existing jamming methods do not work on certain types of GSO communications satellites, and calls for research into new methods and strategies. The report failed to identify which Chinese satellite or satellites conducted the experimental space jamming.

Chinese Rainbow-9 drone: a revolution in drone warfare

 

Rainbow-9 drone

The autonomy and endurance of the Chinese Rainbow-9 drone are expected to transform drone warfare.

State media reported that a ground crew of five people is required to control the drone, which will oversee the flight and manage the payload systems.

Artificial intelligence enhancements have shortened the response time of the latest drone strike China's ability to complete tasks and allow him to work smoothly with stealth fighters.

This assessment was given by former PLA instructor Song Zhongping after, Earlier this month, state broadcaster CCTV showed footage of the Caihong-9 (Rainbow-9), China's newest medium—altitude drone with a long flight duration, during public flight tests at an airfield in northern Shaanxi Province.