China unveils a "killer" UAV: Is this technology truly formidable?

China's drone technology is now considered among the best in the world , with many innovative designs continuously emerging in recent years. Recently, the Chinese military announced a domestically developed micro-UAV that can be equipped to all forces, significantly enhancing combat capabilities.

This type of UAV was called the "Thermos" (thermos) twin-rotor coaxial drone by CCTV reporters. It was described as a weapon that could be launched with a push of a button, conduct automatic reconnaissance, lock onto targets, and attack.

This miniature combat UAV, nicknamed "Thermal Pot," can carry a payload twice its own weight. The aircraft utilizes a coaxial twin-rotor structure with two rotors, one above and one below, which can effectively utilize aerodynamics and generate greater lift.

When performing reconnaissance missions, it can fly silently close to enemy positions and transmit information such as the deployment of enemy troops, weapons, and equipment to its own position in real time via high-resolution cameras. Thermos's control system incorporates AI, capable of automatically identifying enemies, allowing the operator to order an attack or making its own decisions in the AI-powered killer mode.

This is also the only ultra-compact combat UAV in China weighing under 1 kg that can be widely equipped and used by all soldiers in infantry squads.

In addition to reconnaissance, this UAV can also perform close-range attack missions. Each Thermos, despite its small size, carries at least three grenades, along with algorithms that help the operator accurately drop the grenades onto targets on the ground.

The lower part of the UAV can be fitted with various other equipment such as cameras for vision and reconnaissance support, and offensive weapons as shown in the image.

In coordinated combat scenarios, this UAV can be combined to enhance transport capabilities while supporting other operations. This micro-combat UAV has a modular design and can perform various tasks by attaching payloads for different missions.

The CCTV report did not specify which unit researched and developed it. However, the appearance of this type of UAV had previously appeared in the media, believed to be the result of research by a technology company based in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, China.

That's Zhuhai Lanzhong Innovation Technology Co., Ltd., a newly established company in the Zhuhai High-tech Zone. It's one of the first companies founded by the Advanced Technology Achievement Transformation Center under the National Defense Science , Technology and Industry Administration.

Currently, Lanzhong Zhuhai has been granted two invention patents and seven utility model patents. Along with patents registered by the company's technology development team, a notable example is the UAV codenamed "X100," which won the "Unmanned System Design Award" at the 8th World Drone Conference in 2024.