Chinese Army Drones Target Unmanned Surface Vessels in Exercises
The People’s Liberation Army Ground Force trained last week to use armed drones against unmanned surface vessels, according to state media. A Chinese military media post on Thursday highlighted the armed KVD002 unmanned combat aerial vehicles engaging fast moving drone boats with missiles. The footage depicted at least 13 of the drones attached to the PLA’s ground force unit. In recent years, UCAVs have been deployed by the U.S. and Ukraine to strike small craft, fast boats and drones in the Caribbean, Black Sea and the Middle East. Since the start of the U.S-Iran conflict on Feb. 28, American Reaper
The People’s Liberation Army Ground Force practiced using drones to take out unmanned surface vessels on Aug. 6, 2026. Chinese state media image The People’s Liberation Army Ground Force trained last week to use armed drones against unmanned surface vessels, according to state media.
A Chinese military media post on Thursday highlighted the armed KVD002 unmanned combat aerial vehicles engaging fast moving drone boats with missiles. The footage depicted at least 13 of the drones attached to the PLA’s ground force unit.
In recent years, UCAVs have been deployed by the U.S. and Ukraine to strike small craft, fast boats and drones in the Caribbean, Black Sea and the Middle East. Since the start of the U.S-Iran conflict on Feb. 28, American Reaper drones showcased their ability to enforce Washington’s blockade of Iranian waters through precision strikes on merchant vessel engine rooms.
China’s recent training efforts against maritime targets with drones mark the Chinese ground branch’s latest initiative in maritime strike operations. Compared to the PLA’s Navy, Rocket Force and Air Force, the PLAGF’s foray into contributing land-based ship sinking capabilities has been highlighted during recent drills around Taiwan.
An armed KVD002 unmanned combat aerial vehicle shown in Chinese state media video on the use of drones to take out unmanned surface vessels on Aug. 6, 2026. Chinese state media image The service’s growing drone force – as well as missile launchers equipped with specialized long-range munitions – can aid Beijing’s efforts during a potential invasion or blockade of the island.
It is unclear whether the drills simulated a dedicated drill against the types of drone vessels that may be deployed by Taiwan, the U.S. and other first island chain nations in a potential conflict against China.
The PLA showcased the training on the heels of the latest encounter between an American defense firm and a Chinese warship. American defense contractor Seasats released footage late last month of a Type 052D guided-missile destroyer operating in close proximity to one of its USVs. A similar encounter was reported by the drone manufacturer last summer off Guam.
Washington has been applying unmanned tactics and tech deployed by Ukraine against Russian naval forces to the Western Pacific to counter Beijing’s increasingly larger and sophisticated fleet. During the U.S.-Philippine Balikatan 2026 exercise in April and May, American special forces deployed and operated a Ukrainian Magura drone equipped with an explosive payload to sink a ship in the Luzon Strait.
American allies in the region have also eyed the utility of unmanned assets to asymmetrically counter Chinese naval forces. Taiwan’s President is actively pushing for a special defense budget for the production of more than a thousand drone boats to counter Chinese coercion and a potential invasion. Tokyo views USVs as a key component of its broader unmanned defensive plans.
In the South China Sea, the Philippine Navy is actively operating American-made and funded USVs to monitor Chinese forces operating around disputed maritime features. Manila is set to receive armed drones from Washington’s asymmetric capabilities program in 2027. American and Philippine planners hope that the presence of these sea drones will deter China from proceeding beyond coercive action.
