Author:\u00a0 R. Alan Harrop,Ph.D.<\/p>\n
As I reported in the prior two article on this topic, drones are increasingly changing the nature of warfare.\u00a0 With the reality that China represents the greatest security threat facing our country, it is critical that we stay apprised of their actions in this area.\u00a0 Let\u2019s take a look.<\/p>\n
China not only has produced some of the most effective and reliable drones, but their production capacity far exceeds any other country including the United States.\u00a0 For example, their company, DJI Technology, dominates the U.S. market for commercial and recreational drones which is estimated to exceed 6 billion dollars.\u00a0 They produce 90% of the drones sold worldwide.\u00a0 China, like most other countries, has noted the effectiveness of drones for military purposes being used in the Russia\/Ukraine war.\u00a0 In fact, it was just reported that the Chinese military has placed an order with DJI Technology, for almost one million drones.\u00a0 The potential impact of these \u201ckamakaze\u201d drones armed with explosives has proven very effective against tanks, artillery placements, naval vessels, and troop placements in the Russia\/Ukraine war.<\/p>\n
China has developed a drone system that consists of a large \u201cmother drone\u201d that can be directed towards a target area and then releases multiple smaller drones to hit specific targets.\u00a0 The swarming effect of this system would be very difficult to stop to say the least.\u00a0 Combine this with low altitude flight patterns and difficulty detecting with radar and the threat increases dramatically.\u00a0 On a much larger scale, China is producing drones that are the size of fighter aircraft that are flown using artificial intelligence.\u00a0 The plan is to have a manned fighter\/bomber accompanied by multiple unmanned drones overwhelm the target using missiles to deliver the explosives.\u00a0 The use of artificial intelligence as the drone control system eliminates the need for extensive training programs required by human pilots.\u00a0 China at a November 2024 air show unveiled a stealth drone not easily radar detectable that is 190 ft. long with a wing span of 175 ft. with a range of 4,000 miles.\u00a0 This is scary stuff indeed.\u00a0 Do we need any more evidence that China is preparing for future warfare?\u00a0 Financed, of course, with the money they make from trade with our country.<\/p>\n
There are some of our lawmakers that are waking up to this threat.\u00a0 For example, Senator Rick Scott (R-Fl) has proposed a ban on the import of Chinese made drones.\u00a0 The ban is being resisted by people in this country who rely on these relatively inexpensive drones for commercial purposes.\u00a0 For example, for about $35,000 a farmer can purchase a Chinese drone to monitor and spray crops as compared to a ground sprayer that can cost up to $250,000.\u00a0 Clearly, like many items we get from China, we need to return to relying on our own domestic production.\u00a0 We cannot continue to rely on a communist adversary for essential products.\u00a0 Also, we must recognize that the only way to defeat new technology is with other new technology.\u00a0 For example, our military has been developing the use of high energy lasers to defend against missiles, artillery, drones, etc.\u00a0 This may be a solution to some of the challenges of drone warfare.\u00a0 Clearly, using expensive missiles that cost near one million dollars a piece is not the solution to the drone threat.<\/p>\n
Hopefully, the new Trump administration will take whatever action necessary to defend our country and allies.\u00a0 Wasting money on green energy and DEI is not the answer.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Author:\u00a0 R. Alan Harrop,Ph.D. As I reported in the prior two article on this topic, drones are increasingly changing the nature of warfare.\u00a0 With the reality that China represents the greatest security threat facing our country, it is critical that … Continue reading