China launches "killer" UAV, is the technology formidable?

China’s drone technology is now ranked among the best in the world , with many innovative designs continuously emerging over the years. Recently, the Chinese military announced a domestically developed micro-UAV that can be equipped with all forces, significantly enhancing combat capabilities.

This UAV is called the "Thermos" coaxial twin-rotor drone by CCTV reporters. It is described as a weapon that can be launched with the push of a button, conduct automatic reconnaissance, lock on to a target and attack.

This “Thermos” micro- combat UAV can carry a payload twice its own weight. The aircraft uses a coaxial twin-rotor structure with two upper and lower rotors, which can make good use of aerodynamic efficiency and generate greater lift.

When performing reconnaissance missions, it can fly silently close to enemy positions and transmit information such as enemy troop deployment, weapons and equipment to its own position in real time through high-resolution cameras. Thermos' control system is integrated with AI, which can automatically identify enemies, allowing the operator to command attacks or decide on actions in the case of operating in killer AI mode.

It is also the only micro-combat UAV weighing less than 1 kg in China that can be widely equipped and used by all soldiers in infantry squads.

In addition to reconnaissance, this UAV can also perform close-range attack missions. Each Thermos, despite its small size, carries at least three grenades along with an algorithm that helps the operator accurately drop the bullets on the target below the ground.

The lower shelf of the UAV can be equipped with a variety of other equipment such as cameras to support vision and reconnaissance. Attack weapons are shown in the picture.

In joint operations situations, this UAV can be combined to enhance its transport capabilities while supporting other tactics. This micro combat UAV has a modular design and can perform various missions by attaching payloads to perform different tasks.

The CCTV report did not specify which unit researched and developed it. However, the shape of this UAV had previously appeared in the media, and was said to be the result of research by a technology company based in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, China.

It is Zhuhai Lanzhong Innovation Technology Co., Ltd., newly established in Zhuhai High-tech Zone. It is one of the first companies established by the Advanced Technology Achievement Transformation Center under the State Administration of Science , Technology and Industry for National Defense.

Currently, Lanzhong Zhuhai has been granted two invention patents and seven utility solution patents. Along with the patents registered by the company's technology development team, the most notable of which is the UAV codenamed "X100" that won the "Unmanned System Design Award" at the 8th World Drone Conference in 2024.