China demonstrates armed drone with rifle firing at 100% accuracy
China's defense research organization tested an armed drone equipped with a standard rifle that achieved 100% accuracy in firing tests, using AI-based targeting and stabilization systems. The system represents an advance in autonomous weapon platform technology by integrating unmodified infantry weapons with precision flight and targeting control.
What happened
Wuhan Guide Infrared and the Chinese Special Operations Academy tested a drone equipped with a standard infantry rifle that achieved 100% firing accuracy in controlled tests. The drone maintained a stable hover at approximately 10 meters altitude and fired 20 rounds at a human-sized target with a 50-by-50-centimeter torso plate simulating vital areas from a distance of 100 meters, hitting all rounds within the marked area.
The system uses an unmodified standard infantry rifle rather than a custom weapon. According to the peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Gun Launch and Control on 9 December, the drone integrated the rifle with an optical sensor and developed software that automatically adjusts firing angles based on target distance, wind conditions, and drone orientation in flight.
Index analysis
The research team, led by senior engineer Jiang Huajian, characterized this as a step toward more practical battlefield-ready systems by combining standard-issue weapons with drone platforms rather than purpose-built military systems. The study emphasizes potential applications for ground forces requiring mobility and precision with in-service weaponry.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.