Military Advancement of Chinese Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Security Implications for India

Abstract

The advanced Military UAVs have significantly all over the world in different form. The cost-effectiveness and political advantages of UAVs make it as one of the powerful weapon in 21st century. Economically, UAVs offer reduced vehicle costs, operational expenses, and pilot training compared to manned aircraft. Politically, they can lower the threshold for the use of force in various scenarios especially when it is used for grey warfare. Consequently, military UAVs are employed for bold intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, thereby providing an edge to the users in terms of information superiority, which can bolster influence over disputed territories. The PRC embarked on military UAV development as early as the 1950s, initially emulating technologies from the US and the Soviet Union. Presently, China competes with the US in UAV technology advancements. Employing a government-led top-down approach, China fosters vibrant cooperation among industries, academia, and the military to develop UAV capabilities, with a focus on expanding influence in the surrounding region. Since Xi Jinping assumed office in 2012, aggressive policies have been implemented to assert control over sea territories within the first island chain. The main agenda of Xi Jingping is making China AI enabled in all sectors especially in the area of Military Technologies. This is why military UAVs are anticipated to play a pivotal role in Xi’s Indo-Pacific strategy, where the PRC faces conflicts with neighboring countries. On the other joining hands with Pakistan, China continuously using its high-end drone technology against India to create internal security problems for India in form of drugs smuggling, proliferation of illegal arms and ammunition the This article delves into the significant development of military unmanned aerial vehicles by the People’s Republic of China and their utilization in confrontations with India.