China Arms Drones With Recoilless AK-47 for Precision Combat

In a development that could revolutionize drone warfare, Chinese scientists have engineered a remarkable “recoilless AK-47” with recoil so minimal it feels like tapping a keyboard.

As drones transition from simple grenade-dropping platforms to precision weapon systems, could this Chinese breakthrough reshape the future of unmanned combat and trigger a new era in automated warfare?

Revolutionary Recoilless Design

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The weapon system, developed by Professor Liu Pengzhan and his team at the North University of China, maintains the legendary AK-47’s power while virtually eliminating recoil. 

The firearm utilizes 7.62mm caliber ammunition and achieves impressive velocities ranging from 2,427 to 2,952 feet per second at 33 feet from the muzzle. (ref)

The engineering breakthrough lies in its innovative design, featuring a strategically placed hole in the rear of the gun barrel that vents gas shock waves from gunpowder explosions. 

The team also developed specialized ammunition incorporating a high-strength membrane seal and electromagnetic induction chip to maintain optimal muzzle velocity.

Integration with Advanced Drone Systems

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The Chinese military has already demonstrated significant progress in drone warfare capabilities, as evidenced by recent exercises featuring the WZ-7 reconnaissance drone.

These unmanned systems have shown remarkable coordination with crewed aircraft, particularly in maritime operations.

Key features of China’s drone warfare advancement:

  • Enhanced strike capability against fast-moving targets
  • Seamless integration between unmanned and crewed aircraft
  • Advanced reconnaissance and data transmission capabilities

Counter-Drone Technology Development

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Parallel to offensive capabilities, China has showcased its sophisticated counter-drone systems at the Zhuhai Air Show. 

The FK-4000 mobile air defense system employs high-power microwaves (HPM) to neutralize various drone threats, including micro unmanned aerial vehicles.

The system boasts an impressive eight-meter-wide antenna array capable of delivering microwave blasts up to 1.8 miles away in less than a second.

This technology represents a more effective solution than traditional laser-based countermeasures for large-area drone defense.

Future Implications for Military Operations

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China’s military modernization continues accelerating by integrating advanced drone technologies and weapons systems. 

Combining recoilless weapons, reconnaissance drones, and counter-drone capabilities demonstrates a comprehensive approach to future warfare scenarios.

The military has showcased these technologies through various exercises, emphasizing joint operations between unmanned systems and traditional military assets. 

This integration suggests a significant shift in tactical capabilities and operational doctrine.

Strategic Impact on Military Balance

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China’s rapid advancement in military drone technology and autonomous weapons systems fundamentally reshapes global military dynamics.

The PLA has developed more than 50 types of drones with varying capabilities, amassing a fleet potentially 10 times larger than Taiwan and the U.S. combined. 

China’s strategic approach to arms sales has further amplified its global influence. From 2011 to 2019, China supplied armed drones to 11 countries, while the United States exported to only one. 

This proliferation strategy has allowed China to build defense relationships worldwide, including with traditional U.S. partners who were denied access to American drone technology.

Global Security Implications

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The PLA’s enhanced operational capabilities through AI-driven technologies have altered the military power calculus, particularly in Asia-Pacific. 

China’s ability to leverage autonomous systems for swift decision-making, precise targeting, and autonomous operations has lowered the threshold for military action, potentially increasing the risk of rapid conflict escalation.

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Nancy Maffia » nancy
Nancy Maffia
Author & Editor | + posts

Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.