Norinco Showcases Advanced Drone and Counter-UAV Systems

China North Industries Group Corp (Norinco), a leading land armaments manufacturer, is showcasing a suite of advanced weapon systems. These systems are designed to facilitate the deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in combat scenarios, as well as provide defense against hostile UAVs.

At a live-fire demonstration in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, Norinco presented several new and upgraded military drones and counter-UAV weaponry. A key highlight of the event was the BZK-005E, a medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aircraft. This drone, an evolution of the BZK-005 model, is engineered to operate in diverse weather conditions and complex environments. It is designed for surveillance and reconnaissance missions over target areas.

The BZK-005E is approximately 10 meters long, with an 18-meter wingspan, and a maximum takeoff weight of 1.5 metric tons. It can reach speeds of up to 180 kilometers per hour and carry up to 370 kilograms of mission payloads. These payloads can include electro-optical pods, synthetic aperture radar, communication devices, and electronic countermeasure equipment. The drone is intended for use by multiple branches of the military to perform tasks such as intelligence gathering and battlefield monitoring.

Another unmanned aircraft showcased was the CR500B, a multipurpose helicopter. This helicopter is capable of carrying various payloads and is used for tactical missions, including battlefield reconnaissance, target positioning, laser designation guidance, precision strikes, and damage assessment. The CR500B offers vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, short combat preparation time, and adaptability to various battlefield environments, including plateau areas.

Recognizing the increased use of loitering munition weapons in recent conflicts, Norinco has developed several such systems. The FL-30 loitering munition system was featured at the demonstration. It is designed for beyond-visual-range reconnaissance and precision strike missions. The FL-30 can be launched from various platforms and is intended for operations including distributed network reconnaissance, persistent loitering deterrence, targeted elimination, and large-scale swarm attacks.

In terms of counter-UAV capabilities, Norinco displayed a range of systems, including air-defense missiles and self-propelled anti-aircraft guns. The company also showcased the OW5 vehicle-mounted laser weapon system, which integrates multiple detection methods to rapidly and accurately spot and track targets. Laser weapons offer rapid strike capabilities and high accuracy.

According to experts, the importance of unmanned platforms in modern conflict is growing. Advanced land hardware is increasingly equipped with small drones, providing advantages such as extended detection range and improved battlefield awareness. These unmanned systems also reduce reliance on command center information, enhancing operational independence.