China tests cheap 'Black Bee' drone swarm

The Chinese defense company NORINCO demonstrated the operation of a swarm of cheap "Black Bee" attack drones, each carrying six mini-bombs.

During exercises shown on the CCTV channel, the drones flew in an organized formation, conducted reconnaissance, and delivered simultaneous mass strikes on the fortified positions of a simulated enemy, acting as a unified "smart combat module." It is noted that due to their modular design, they can be quickly adapted to the mission, different types of ammunition, and rapidly deployed.

Within the scope of the tests, the drones dropped bombs on pre-defined targets, operating autonomously and without operator intervention.

Despite the success of the experimental use, many experts are not yet giving a final assessment, as it is still unclear how the new product will perform during active combat operations when countermeasures are used against it, and the Black Bee continues to operate autonomously, without operator intervention.