Reporter's Diary: Up in the air

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04:24

CGTN's crew got exclusive access to the unmanned systems at the core of the Chinese military and learned about the change in mindset that triggered these technological breakthroughs.

Designing with an eye on the world

"Chinese military drones still lag behind some western drones in certain technologies. So the strategy is to focus on what the competition lacks. Design and production are tailored to customer demand. And pricing is very competitive," says Shi Wen, the chief designer of the China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics.

China's military industry has undergone profound changes in the past decade, with dramatic upgrades in equipment and weaponry. One of the examples is in global arms sales, particularly drones.

The Rainbow series drones reflects the ongoing reforms in China's military enterprises. Shi believed that his company has emerged as one of a handful of global leaders in the development of unmanned aerial systems.

Shi Wen, Chief Designer, China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics, is introducing CH drones to CGTN correspondent Han Bin. /CGTN Photo

Military drones go civilian

"Dual functions that combine both military and civilian purposes are key in our design. Military use can push technological development, while civilian use can promote the applications of military technology in a wider range of operations," he said.

Two staff are resembling CH-3 drone at the China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics. /CGTN Photo

China's military is undergoing a new round of reforms, aiming to build a smarter and more competitive force. Civil-military integration, common in the West, is listed as one of the industry's priorities in order to help advance the economy, which has already given China's home-grown military weaponry a more competitive edge.

As Shi Wen predicted, the new technology continues to push designs forward, and the civilian use of drones will eventually outstrip military applications.