China Launches “Killer Birds”: Future Weapons Unveiled – Invisible and Deadly
At the 10th International Military Intelligent Technology Expo (CMITE 2025), opened in Beijing, more than 500 Chinese companies showcased cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and anti-drone defense systems, highlighting the growing importance of these technologies in modern warfare. Particularly eye-catching were innovative drones that mimic birds, as well as smart automated platforms designed to neutralize them.
Bird-like Drones – Invisible and Deadly
One of the most impressive exhibits were the so-called ornithopters – drones that imitate bird flight by flapping their wings, achieving near-perfect biomimicry. According to Chinese manufacturers, these devices are almost undetectable to human observers and conventional radar, making them ideal for reconnaissance, infiltration, and combat missions, reports Global Times via Nova.
The smallest model, resembling a magpie, weighs only 90 grams, can be launched by hand, and is equipped with a miniature camera for live video transmission. Thanks to its size and quietness, it is ideal for urban reconnaissance and missions where stealth is crucial.
Larger models, inspired by gulls, hawks, and eagles, can carry heavier payloads and have longer flight times. For instance, an eagle-like drone has a wingspan of two meters, weighs about 3.6 kilograms, has an autonomy of 40 minutes, and an operational range of six to eight kilometers. It can be equipped with micro-munitions featuring precision guidance, enabling accurate strikes from the air.
Notably, each drone’s design can be customized to imitate local bird species, allowing them to blend more easily into the natural environment.
“Hummingbird” Coaxial Drone – A Portable Killer
Another interesting model showcased at the expo is the hummingbird, a coaxial drone resembling a vacuum flask. It weighs 10 kilograms and can carry up to three kilograms of payload – including 60 mm and 82 mm mortar shells. The hummingbird can fly for 24 minutes and is designed for quick assembly and disassembly, making it highly suitable for infantry units. One soldier can carry four to five units.
Thanks to its folding wings and modular construction, the Hummingbird can be launched in swarms, enabling tactical saturation and precision airstrikes without relying on expensive aviation assets.
AI-Powered Automated Stations
CMITE 2025 was not only about drone presentation – a special section of the expo focused on anti-drone defense systems. The standout among them is the K-25, a remotely operated combat station that can be mounted on vehicles or directly on the ground.
Equipped with standard 5.8 mm automatic rifles, the K-25 uses an intelligent fire control system capable of automatic target recognition, tracking, and engagement. In triple burst mode, the platform has a 90% hit probability against small drone-sized targets at 200 meters, and over 90% for stationary human-sized targets at 400 meters.
The station can operate via wired or wireless control, keeping operators out of potential danger zones. Additionally, multiple units can be networked into a single fire grid linked to a drone detection system, creating an efficient and flexible defense zone.
Warfare of the Future: Blurring the Line Between Nature and Technology
By introducing ornithopters and other biomimetic systems into real military use, China demonstrates its resolve to push the boundaries of traditional warfare. These systems pose new challenges for identification and neutralization of targets, as they increasingly resemble natural phenomena.
Although these drones are still in a phase of intensive development and testing, it is clear that their deployment in real combat situations is not far off. Chinese experts are already discussing their potential for psychological operations, deep reconnaissance, precision strikes, and tactical saturation of enemy systems.
CMITE 2025 not only showcased technological advancements but also highlighted a new philosophy of modern warfare – where recognizability fades and the boundaries between nature and machine become nearly invisible.
