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Chinese Cargo Ship Converted To Launch Advanced Combat Drones Emerges ... Chinese Internet The TWZ Newsletter Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy. Terms of Service and Privacy Policy In a major follow-up to three of our recent stories on China’s weapons developments, we can now report that what appeared to be a modular, road-mobile, electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) catapult capable of flinging advanced fixed-wing combat drones into the air is now set up on a ship. And not just any ship, but the same medium cargo vessel that was recently configured as an improvised surface combatant , with roughly 60 containerized missile launch cells, radars, and close-in defenses. The ship was rapidly reconfigured over a few days to go from an arsenal ship of sorts to a multi-role advanced combat drone carrier. This is the latest news to come out of the Shanghai-based Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard, where the converted cargo ship first appeared a week ago. Just down the dock from this vessel, the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN) giant amphibious assault ship, the Type 076 Sichuan , sits in dry dock . That vesse…

China Unveils Truck-Mounted Drone Catapult - RAGE X SHARE: Twitter Telegram WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy Link China has publicly demonstrated a highly innovative, truck-mounted electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) for the very first time. During a recent field test, the new system successfully launched an unmanned aerial vehicle from a modular catapult constructed entirely from multiple linked transport trucks. This development marks a significant advancement in the tactical deployment capabilities of the People’s Liberation Army, offering unprecedented mobility and operational flexibility for modern drone warfare. The unique launch system utilizes three or more specially modified heavy trucks that seamlessly connect to form a rigid, linear catapult track. This modular engineering allows the entire electromagnetic launch system to be rapidly driven to a location, assembled in the field for immediate use, and subsequently dismantled and relocated to avoid enemy counter-strikes. By eliminating the need for fixed infrastructure, the mobile system drastically increases the survivability and unpredictability of Chinese drone operations. https://ragex.co/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/p…

China unveils mobile electromagnetic catapult for land-based drone launches Images published on Chinese social media in early December 2025 have shown a mobile, land-based electromagnetic catapult system intended for launching fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles. The system appears to be an industrially promoted concept rather than an operational capability, with no evidence of adoption by the People’s Liberation Army. Images circulating on Chinese social media platforms and industrial forums in early December 2025 have highlighted what manufacturers describe as a mobile electromagnetic catapult system for fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle launches. Based on available imagery and technical documentation, the system is being presented as an industrial solution and has not been identified as fielded, tested, or formally adopted by the People’s Liberation Army.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link The third category, which corresponds to the system visible in the published images, is designed for heavy UAVs with launch masses approaching two tons and uses longer modular tracks with lower launch cadence(Picture source: X account @Clash Report) The images published on…

China unveils "mobile runway" with electromagnetic system capable of ... China unveils a "mobile runway" with an electromagnetic system capable of launching drones and aircraft from any location. An innovative system reported in China would allow the deployment of combat and surveillance drones, and may have the capability to launch manned fighter jets such as the J-15. Written by Fernando Bianchi Published 01/07/2026 às 19:20 A video circulating on social media shows a drone being launched from a modular, mobile catapult that can be transported by land. Photo: Reproduction X (image enhanced with AI). A China He demonstrated an innovative system that could allow the launch of aircraft and drones from any location without the need for a runway. It is a... Electromagnetic Launch System (EMALS, already commonly used on next-generation aircraft carriers) , using a modular catapult made up of several connected trucks. The site The War Zoze (TWZ) The publication released the first images of what appears to be a modular, land-transportable EMALS-type catapult successfully launching a drone. According to the publication, the system emerged at the end of last year and was installed on the …

Could China's containerised aircraft launcher reshape rules of modern ... The footage shows three eight-wheeled flat-top trucks driving on to what appears to be an airfield runway. Once aligned and connected via mechanical hinges, they form a continuous platform, along which a fixed-wing propeller drone accelerates and takes off. The Beijing Institute of Technology’s (BIT) school of mechanical engineering posted the video to social media on Tuesday – about six months after the system was first seen aboard the cargo vessel Zhong Da 79 at a Shanghai shipyard. The post appears to have been deleted. The late-December sighting attracted much attention, with photographs showing a range of military equipment, including vertical missile launchers, radar sensors and self-defence systems, all integrated into modified freight containers. A screenshot of the video showing the Zhong Da 79 being loaded with containerised systems. Photo: BIT/WeChat The new video also features a scene of the latest containerised modules revealed in Tuesday’s post – including the segmented electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) – being loaded onto the Zhong Da 79. South China Morning Post

Is This China's Truck-Mounted Electromagnetic Catapult? Chinese internet The TWZ Newsletter Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy. Terms of Service and Privacy Policy New imagery of Chinese catapult-capable low-observable combat drones, or possibly mockups thereof, together with some unusual trucks, may point to plans to launch them from the ground, as well as ships . A modular, truck-mounted electromagnetic catapult system would offer a valuable additional way to launch larger drones, especially in areas with limited access to traditional runways. General Atomics in the United States has proposed a roughly similar concept in the past, leveraging technology developed for the U.S. Navy’s Ford class aircraft carriers . Pictures of the drones sitting dockside at Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard in Shanghai first began circulating online late last week. The presence of the super-sized Type 076 amphibious assault ship Sichuan in drydock nearby still raises the possibility of plans for trials aboard that ship, which features a single electromagnetic catapult, as was discussed in TWZ ‘s initial reporting here . A medium-sized…

Could China’s containerised aircraft launcher reshape rules of modern warfare? Fresh footage has offered the first look at China’s truck-mounted electromagnetic catapult launching a drone, with its developer unveiling details of this large family of containerised weapon systems. The footage shows three eight-wheeled flat-top trucks driving on to what appears to be an airfield runway. Once aligned and connected via mechanical hinges, they form a continuous platform, along which a fixed-wing propeller drone accelerates and takes off. The Beijing Institute of Technology’s...

Watch: China unveils truck-mounted EMALS that fires drones into sky in seconds China has unveiled a truck-mounted electromagnetic aircraft launch system, enabling fixed-wing drones to take flight without traditional runways. This mobile platform, adaptable for various terrains, utilizes advanced technology to rapidly accelerate drones, enhancing the People's Liberation Army's drone capabilities. The system's rapid deployment and maneuverability offer increased resilience and flexibility for drone operations in modern conflict zones.

China tests 96-unit Atlas drone swarm with 3-second launch speed China has unveiled its Atlas drone swarm operations system in a full-process demonstration, state media reported Wednesday. The test offered a rare, detailed look at how the country plans to deploy coordinated drone formations in combat. The system integrates reconnaissance, target selection, launch control, and strike execution into one operational chain. It signals a clear shift toward software-driven warfare and autonomous coordination. Analysts see this as part of a broader move toward algorithm-led combat systems. The March 25 demonstration showcased the entire operational sequence. The system moved from detection to strike in one continuous flow. At a test range, Atlas conducted coordinated reconnaissance on multiple similar targets. It identified the intended command vehicle and initiated the launch sequence. Drones deployed and completed a precision strike after locking onto the target mid-flight. This sequence highlighted a complete “kill chain” rather than a standalone launcher. It emphasized how China aims to combine sensing, decision-making, and execution into one system. State media said the …