The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) recently integrated advanced technologies, including drones, robotic dogs, exoskeletons, and high-power lasers, in its latest drills to enhance operational efficiency and logistics support in extreme conditions.
A logistics exercise by a regiment under the PLA Xinjiang Military Command took place at an elevation of 5,300 meters on the Karakoram Plateau in the snow-covered Kunlun Mountains. Soldiers transitioned swiftly to wartime readiness, loading ammunition and supplies before advancing to two designated targets.
As the convoy moved through the rugged terrain, unexpected obstacles such as sabotaged roads delayed their progress. The team deployed all-terrain vehicles and unmanned systems, including drones and exoskeletons, to bypass damaged areas and ensure the timely delivery of supplies to forward units.
A robot dog carrying essential materials was also utilized, according to the PLA Army’s official WeChat release.
In a separate exercise by the PLA Navy’s Northern Theater Command, held on an island in Bohai Bay, troops tested drones equipped with high-power lasers for explosive ordnance disposal.
Drones were used to locate explosives and mark their positions, while the lasers remotely neutralized the threats. This method was reported to be safer and more efficient, reducing disposal time by 80%, according to China Central Television.
Military expert Song Zhongping emphasized the growing deployment of unmanned systems in both combat and support roles, noting that these technologies reduce casualties and improve operational adaptability. He highlighted the PLA’s use of intelligent systems in logistics and explosives disposal, which have traditionally required significant manpower.
The exercises demonstrated the effectiveness of combining manned and unmanned systems in extreme environments, refining the troops’ ability to adapt to modern warfare scenarios. Through these drills, the PLA continues to modernize its logistics capabilities and integrate advanced technologies into its operations, underscoring its focus on enhancing readiness and efficiency in challenging conditions.