Chinese Special Ops Employ Bird-like Drone in Military Exercise

A recent video release by Chinese military-affiliated media showcased the use of a biomimetic drone disguised as a small bird by an elite Chinese special operations force during a shooting competition. The event, held on August 1, coincided with China‘s annual commemoration of the founding of its armed forces, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

The Role of the Bird-like Drone

In the footage, a frogman from the Jiaolong Commandos, part of China’s Marine Corps, is seen releasing the bird-like drone after surfacing from the water. The drone, resembling a Eurasian tree sparrow, flapped its wings as it soared into the sky. This type of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is classified as a miniature biomimetic ornithopter, designed to mimic the flight of birds and insects by flapping its wings.

According to Chinese military observers, while these ornithopters may not match the endurance, payload, or range of conventional drones, their small size and realistic appearance make them ideal for covert reconnaissance missions. The drone’s ability to blend seamlessly into natural environments presents a significant advantage for special operations forces, allowing for discreet surveillance and intelligence gathering.

The Significance of Biomimetic Drones

Biomimetic drones like this one have garnered attention not only in China but also internationally, particularly in conflict zones such as Ukraine. The Ukrainian newspaper Kyiv Post highlighted the potential of bird-like micro-drones for surveillance and reconnaissance, noting that their small size and natural appearance would make them difficult to detect and classify as threats.

The concept of bird-like drones is not new; it dates back to the Cold War when both the United States and the Soviet Union explored aerial intelligence collection platforms. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) developed the Aquiline in the 1960s, one of the earliest attempts to create a drone based on the flight characteristics of birds. Although the Aquiline never became operational, it laid the groundwork for the development of biomimetic drones.

DroneXL’s Take

The use of biomimetic drones by special forces, as demonstrated by the Jiaolong Commandos, underscores the growing importance of these UAVs in modern military operations. These drones’ ability to perform reconnaissance in a covert and undetectable manner could revolutionize how intelligence is gathered on the battlefield. The ongoing development of such technology, particularly by major powers like China, signals a shift in the tactical applications of drones.

For a deeper dive into the implications of such technology, check out our coverage on the evolution of Drone Technology here.

Photo courtesy of Chinese military-affiliated media.