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China steps up to the plate in drone-wars

We are now so used to seeing the USA's hi-tech "drones" policing the skies over conflict zones and unleashing hellfire missiles on insurgents on the ground below that we no longer think much about it. We consider the USA to be the leading purveyors of drone technology (although Israel is close behind by all accounts).

The US Defense Department has been predicting a future where most aerial combat will occur between unmanned drone aircraft, while their pilots sit safe and sound on the ground, possibly thousands of miles away.

Well it looks as if this scenario may be about to play out sooner rather than later, with news that the Chinese are now selling their Wing Loong Predator-like drone to groups such as the PLA.

The 1,1 tonne Wing Loong has a range of over 4,000Km and an endurance of around 20 hours whilst loaded with 200Kg of ordinance. This ordinance can include Chinese-made KD-10 laser-guided missiles and LS-6 50Kg GPS-guided bombs.

How long before we see a little drone-on-drone action in areas such as the Middle East I wonder?

The current limitation of the Chinese product however, appears to be a lack of satellite support to allow very remote operation. US drones can operate half a world away, thanks to its comprehensive network of military satellites which can be seen from almost any position on the planet. China's military satellite network is apparently far less comprehensive and thus limits the areas in which long-range operations can be undertaken.

Given China's commitment to maintaining and equipping its military, it's only a matter of time before this problem is addressed though.

Unlike the USA, China seems far more inclined to sell its drone technology to a wide array of willing customers around the world -- something which may act to seriously erode the USA's drone dominance in some theatres of conflict.

Of course the real question in respect to the Chinese product is "how good are they?"

Well if their commercial drone systems are anything to go by, they'll still have a way to go before they work totally "as advertised" -- which must be something of a relief for Western powers. Rest assured however, that the Chinese will be working very hard on improving their product and it is only a matter of time before it becomes a reasonable match for the USA's offerings.

The future of drone technology -- both commercial and military -- is assured. The directions it takes and the speed with which it is rolled out is the only thing that remains unknown at this stage.

One thing is for sure... China is shaping up to eventually become a very potent military superpower. Let's hope it never uses its arsenal in anger.

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