Norinco Showcases Unmanned Combat Systems in Futuristic Drill

On July 21, 2025, China's state-owned arms firm Norinco showcased a concept of manned-unmanned coordinated combat in a video. The company held an offensive and defensive drill featuring its export-oriented ground-based unmanned and anti-unmanned combat systems at a test site in Inner Mongolia. The demonstration highlighted the challenges of modern warfare, showcasing China's new combat forces and operational methods in unmanned and anti-drone operations. The drill simulated a futuristic air "offensive and defensive scenario" in a border area.

The scenario involved Team A establishing an intelligence reconnaissance network. The BZK-005E, a medium-to-high altitude long-endurance drone, was deployed for high-altitude reconnaissance. This drone is designed for all-weather combat and complex environments, capable of carrying various payloads for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance tasks. The BZK-005E can perform "one-key takeoff and landing" and carry payloads up to several hundred kilograms.

After gathering battlefield information, Team A utilized intelligent network connection and command systems for operational planning and command scheduling. Following the strike order, low-cost long-range loitering munitions targeted the enemy's command and communication systems. The FL-300A anti-radiation loitering munitions engaged enemy radars, while rocket-launched FL-60A networked loitering munitions were deployed to engage armored targets. Vehicle-mounted loitering munition systems neutralized heavy armored targets, and Golden Eagle 500B unmanned helicopters coordinated with ground troops for saturation strikes.

Norinco also demonstrated its anti-drone capabilities. After securing the camp, Team A deployed low-altitude surveillance radars. The air defense fire control system provided guidance to light air defense missiles, gun-missile systems, and laser anti-unmanned systems. The integrated air defense and anti-drone systems are based on a modular architecture, combining various weapons for specific needs. The new TL-100 air defense missile system, consisting of radar, electronic reconnaissance, command vehicles, and missiles, is designed for regional anti-drone tasks.

Traditional anti-aircraft artillery systems and the directed energy laser air defense system also formed part of the defense. The OW5 laser weapon system, a high-mobility vehicle-mounted low-altitude anti-drone system, integrates radar and optoelectronics for fast target detection. This system can use high-power lasers to destroy drone circuits within kilometers and can quickly switch targets. It is also equipped with radio jamming devices. The event also included a static exhibition of products like the VT4A main battle tank and the SH16A 155mm wheeled howitzer, which incorporate new concepts in manned-unmanned coordinated combat.