China’s defense industry has revealed a new class of small combat drones designed to conduct precision strikes against lightly armored vehicles, enemy positions, and command posts.
According to footage broadcast by state-owned CCTV, the drones—each capable of carrying six miniature bombs—took off in formation as part of a test exercise.
The drones were seen operating in coordinated swarms to conduct reconnaissance and saturation strikes on simulated enemy fortifications.
The Chinese state broadcaster said: “These drones act as versatile aerial units on the battlefield, able to quickly secure and control target zones while supporting special forces in assault operations.”
The unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), developed by China North Industries Group Corporation (NORINCO), are designed to work as part of “intelligent combat units,” the report said. Each unit combines reconnaissance and attack capabilities, allowing Chinese forces to conduct multi-layered, synchronized operations.
In a demonstration at a NORINCO test range, the Black Bee drones carried out attacks by dropping small grenades on pre-designated targets. The display highlighted their potential use in swarming tactics to overwhelm enemy defenses and provide cover for advancing troops.
The Black Bee and its sister models are part of a broader trend in the People’s Liberation Army to integrate drone swarms into frontline operations, the report said. Footage showed the UAVs’ modular design, which enables rapid deployment and mission customization.
The CCTV report emphasized: “Each drone in the formation has a specific role, operating in seamless coordination to deliver effective strikes and maintain control over contested zones.”
The rollout of these drone swarms comes amid heightened global interest in small UAVs, which have proven to be a game-changer in conflicts from Ukraine to the Middle East.