Atlas UAV swarm combat system shown in China

The People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) demonstrated the Atlas mobile swarm combat system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This was reported on March 26 by the Global Times newspaper, referring to Chinese state television.

"The Swarm-2 ground combat vehicle debuted at the Airshow China 2024, which was held in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province in southern China. One Swarm-2 ground combat vehicle can carry and launch 48 fixed—wing drones, and one command vehicle can simultaneously control up to 96 drones in a swarm," the material says.

It is specified that each drone can perform various purposes, including reconnaissance, carrying shock munitions and providing communications. In addition, drones are combined into operational groups, forming multifunctional swarms capable of performing complex tasks.

The operator has the ability to control the system alone, the newspaper reports. Additionally, UAVs are able to exchange information and adjust their location in real time to evenly distribute drones in a swarm.

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The Chinese Jiutian heavy unmanned aerial vehicle successfully completed its maiden flight on December 11 last year. It is confirmed that the wing length of the UAV is 16.35 m and the span is 25 m. The maximum take—off weight of the drone is 16 tons, and the payload is 6 thousand kg. The Jiutian can operate autonomously for up to 12 hours, and its flight range is 7 thousand km.

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