In an unprecedented operation, heavy-lift drones transported 180 tons of steel and concrete to a mountainous and hard-to-reach region in southwest China, for the construction of power transmission towers in a solar project in Yunnan province.
The aerial operation, carried out by 16 autonomous drones, took only three days—much less than the month usually required by conventional methods—and drew attention for its efficiency gain and minimal environmental impact.
According to local authorities, the technology avoided the construction of roads and the deforestation of about 2,000 trees, preserving the fragile ecosystem of the region. Each drone was able to carry up to 420 kg, flying with high precision along pre-programmed routes. The use of the system reduced infrastructure costs by up to 80% and decreased the need for human labor by 60%, thanks to automation and swarm coordination.
The feat, considered pioneering both in scale and coordination, has also rekindled speculation about possible military applications of the technology. Reports indicate that the Chinese armed forces are already studying the use of AI-powered drone swarms for coordinated attacks.
Driven by investments in 5G and smart manufacturing, the drone sector is rapidly growing in the country, with thousands of active companies and ambitious expansion plans through 2026.
Source: South China Morning Post | Photo: X @China__Focus | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
A fleet of heavy-lift drones delivers 180 tons of materials in rugged, roadless mountains. Through drone operations, a task that once took a month is now finished in just 3 days. This is the power of technology! pic.twitter.com/74Tqq5kW8y
— China Focus (@China__Focus) July 22, 2025
