China Unveils AI-Powered Military Tech at Defence Expo

AI on the Battlefield

China’s military-industrial complex took a bold step into the future this week, as several state-backed defence firms unveiled advanced artificial intelligence technologies at the 2024 National Defense Science and Technology Innovation Exhibition in Beijing. The showcase included AI-targeting systems, robotic dogs equipped with automatic rifles, and autonomous aerial drones—all signaling the country’s intent to heavily integrate intelligent systems into modern warfare. Most of these innovations are aimed at enhancing battlefield decision-making, surveillance capabilities, and unmanned combat operations. The event, backed by the Central Military Commission, not only demonstrated China’s technological progress but also its strategic ambitions to rival Western military advances in AI and automation.

Geopolitical and Industry Signals

The timing of the expo—and its messaging—appears strategic, coming amid rising geopolitical tensions and a global AI arms race. Chinese military developers emphasized the “accelerated development of intelligent warfare,” aligning with President Xi Jinping’s long-standing vision for military modernization. Several prominent defence firms, including those under China North Industries Group and China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, displayed AI-integrated command systems, precision-guided weapons powered by machine learning algorithms, and swarming drone tech. Industry analysts interpret the event as both a domestic rallying cry for innovation and a signal to global rivals that China is rapidly advancing toward next-generation military readiness.