China was spotted using a new experimental ship nicknamed a “mini drone carrier” in maritime tests with the unmanned helicopter AR-500CJ.
Images released by the state broadcaster CCTV-7 show the drone taking off and landing on the vessel (CSSC Explorer 01), which features an open deck and a design similar to a ship launched in 2022 by the Jiangsu Dayang Marine shipyard.
The model measures approximately 100 meters and is said to have been specifically developed to test shipborne aviation technologies.
In recent years, the country has been investing in a series of open-deck vessels for drone experiments and training, many of them produced by the same shipyard. These ships are primarily used to simulate aerial and electronic warfare threats, as well as to serve as platforms for evaluating the performance of new unmanned systems. The “mini drone carrier,” though small, represents another step in China’s efforts to integrate unmanned aerial vehicles into its navy.
The AR-500CJ, developed by AVIC, is a drone helicopter designed for surveillance and signal relay missions, and is part of a growing fleet of unmanned aircraft intended for naval operations. This initiative is part of China’s broader push to expand its presence in autonomous military aviation, including projects like the stealth drone GJ-11 Sharp Sword, designed to operate from aircraft carriers.
These advancements reinforce China’s position as a global leader in the development of military drone technology.
Source: The War Zone | Photo: CCTV | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
