The "Great Wall-2024" International Forum on Counter-terrorism commenced in Beijing on August 27, 2024, gathering over 170 delegates from more than 50 foreign armed forces along with over 150 representatives from China. This four-day event, organized by the People's Armed Police Force, emphasizes the theme "Unmanned Counter-terrorism Operations" and covers critical areas such as unmanned equipment, combat tactics, and training for counter-terrorism initiatives.

At the forum, officials underscored the significance of integrating unmanned and artificial intelligence technologies into counter-terrorism efforts. Sun Xueyu, the assistant Chief of Staff of the People's Armed Police Force, pointed out that upgrading weapons systems to improve battlefield awareness and precision strikes is essential. With advancements in artificial intelligence, the focus has shifted from traditional individual drones to sophisticated intelligent drone swarms, as highlighted by Senior Colonel Gao Yawei.

Gao introduced a model from Zhejiang University that features an intelligent unmanned aerial vehicle designed for autonomous navigation and obstacle avoidance, capable of flying between 12 and 14 minutes at speeds of 10 to 15 meters per second. This fleet can operate in complex environments, including urban settings and forests, offering enhanced reconnaissance capabilities for tracking multiple targets simultaneously.

Moreover, while intelligent drone swarms bring significant advantages in detecting threats and executing strikes with relative cost-efficiency, they also face challenges such as limited battery life and unreliable communication. To fully harness their potential in counter-terrorism, experts highlight the need to overcome technological hurdles related to endurance, recognition, and payload capabilities.

In addition to drones, the forum examined the potential of ornithopters—flapping-wing aircraft—in counter-terrorism operations. Senior Colonel Chen Changlong noted these aircraft offer notable stealth, mobility, and efficiency. Unlike traditional aircraft that rely on minimizing electromagnetic recognition, ornithopters can often go unnoticed due to their bird-like appearance, a significant advantage in sensitive missions. The "Yun Xiao" ornithopter prototype has demonstrated impressive flight durations, realizing a significant milestone in flight technology.

To promote the effective use of ornithopters in real combat situations, Chen recommended advancements in the critical technologies necessary for their control and performance, as well as fostering a collaborative defense approach that incorporates human operators with these unmanned systems.