Comparing the Western defense technology to China's robotic combat units and missile systems: a look at the measures each side employs in their military arsenal.
In the realm of air and aerospace defence, several nations are bolstering their defences with the development of advanced systems. China, for instance, has unveiled a new "loyal wingman" drone, the Feihong-97, joining a fleet that includes the HQ-29, HQ11, HQ-20, HQ-22A, HQ-9C, and HQ-19, creating a "solid barrier" for air defence, as reported by Chinese media.
Meanwhile, Europe is following suit, with companies like Airbus, Leonardo, and Dassault Aviation working on drone systems reminiscent of China's Feihong-97, aiming for operational deployment into the 2030s. Airbus' Wingman, a significant part of the FCAS system being developed by France, Spain, and Germany, will eventually boast artificial intelligence capabilities.
The US is also not far behind, with a new wingman drone taking its first test flight recently. However, the UK's Project Mosquito, aimed at creating a wingman drone, saw its prototype meet an untimely end in 2022.
In the realm of missile technology, China has caused a stir with the unveiling of the HQ-29, a missile believed to be an anti-satellite weapon (ASAT) capable of taking down foreign satellites with one blow. This development comes as Europe's 27 member states have committed at the United Nations not to test ASAT missiles due to potential impacts on the outer space environment.
France and the UK are the only European countries with nuclear ballistic missiles. France's M51 missile, launched from an underwater submarine, can travel through the Earth's atmosphere, while the UK's intercontinental nuclear missile, the Trident II D5, can only be launched from the sea. On the other hand, the US Minuteman III nuclear ballistic missile weighs more than 36,000 kilograms and can fly at a speed of over 24,000 kilometres per hour.
The Aster-30 B1NT, a long-range anti-aircraft system being developed by France and Italy, is drawing comparisons to the US's Patriot system or Germany's IRIS-T. When ready, the Aster-30 B1NT will be able to detect and neutralise long-distance missiles, including hypersonic missiles that fly at Mach 5 speed. However, it can only fly to an altitude of 25 kilometres, which is still below the Karman Line, where orbit starts, which is at an altitude of 100 kilometres.
Robot dogs developed by British company Brit Alliance Solutions were used for the first time on the battlefield in Ukraine for demining and reconnaissance missions. These robotic companions are a testament to the increasing integration of technology in modern warfare.
As the race for advanced defence systems continues, it is clear that the future of air and aerospace defence is one of innovation and technological advancement.
Read also:
- Understanding Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis: Key Facts
- Stopping Osteoporosis Treatment: Timeline Considerations
- Tobacco industry's suggested changes on a legislative modification are disregarded by health journalists
- Expanded Community Health Involvement by CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, Maintained Through Consistent Outreach Programs Across Rajasthan
