Chinese military experts are incorporating lessons from Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on the use and importance of drones and autonomous systems, which is reshaping the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) strategic planning and operational doctrine. In simulated Taiwan Strait scenarios, the PLA has demonstrated heavy reliance on drones to carry out phased operations culminating in precision-guided airdrops to support an amphibious invasion. These exercises suggest the PLA intends to mobilize multi-theater, domain-specialized operations in the event of a future Taiwan contingency. Tactical innovations, notably the use of cost-effective first-person view drones capable of precise anti-armor operations, drone swarm tactics, and multi-domain integration, are highlighted by Chinese analysts, as is the integration of artificial intelligence-driven systems. Chinese strategists emphasize the need to develop stealthier drones, robust anti-jamming capabilities (such as fiber-optic guidance), and autonomous ground logistics systems, aimed at enhancing battlefield sustainability and reducing vulnerabilities in future combat scenarios.
Autonomous Battlefield: PLA Lessons from Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine – Jamestown
