Chinese Navy researchers are advancing plans for a multilayered defense system aimed at protecting warships from potential attacks by swarms of low-cost unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This innovative capability, likened to a digital-age “Great Wall,” is designed to intercept and neutralize drone swarms before they can inflict damage on naval targets.
The research, published in the peer-reviewed journal Command Control & Simulation, raises concerns about the ability of small, inexpensive drones—often constructed from commercially available components—to overwhelm traditional naval defenses. To counter this emerging threat, the proposed system will integrate a combination of satellites, AI-driven sensors, and cutting-edge weaponry, including hypersonic missiles, lasers, and microwave beams.
The South China Morning Post reported that the counter-swarm measures discussed in the research closely mirror various anti-UAS technologies showcased during Beijing’s 2025 Victory Day Parade. Among these technologies are high-power microwave weapons, LY-1 ship-mounted lasers, and CJ-1000 hypersonic cruise missiles, which are capable of targeting drone-carrying cargo planes from considerable distances.
A Beijing-based defense expert, who requested anonymity, commented on the significance of the parade, stating that it transforms theoretical concepts into tangible possibilities, emphasizing the ongoing evolution of military capabilities.
In tandem with fortifying air defenses, China is also working on the development of its own drone swarms to bolster reconnaissance and surveillance operations. In 2022, the unveiling of the Zhu Hai Yun, a large drone “mothership,” marked a significant step in this direction. This vessel, measuring 290 feet long and 20 feet high, features a spacious deck designed to accommodate multiple platforms and can achieve speeds of up to 18 knots. The boat can be operated remotely or manually while maneuvering in ports.
Following the Zhu Hai Yun, China launched an airborne equivalent named the Jiu Tian in 2024, designed to deploy up to 100 kamikaze drones. The Jiu Tian can reach impressive speeds of up to 435 miles per hour and has an operational range of approximately 4,350 miles, coupled with a payload capacity of 6.6 tons. Its design includes advanced sensors for electro-optical and infrared surveillance, along with a dome for surface-scanning radar.
The Jiu Tian’s capabilities extend beyond drone deployment; it also plays a role in cargo transport, maritime surveillance, reconnaissance missions, disaster-relief support, and the launch of long-range weapons. With a wingspan of 82 feet and a length of 52 feet, the aircraft has an operational endurance of over 12 hours, highlighting China’s ambition to enhance its defense strategies in the evolving landscape of modern warfare.
