KATHMANDU : The Chinese army has started using drones (unmanned aerial vehicles) to supply logistics, including delivery of food to its troops stationed at high altitude along the China-India borders.
In a video broadcasted by China Central Television, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers are seen placing packets of food, water and medicine into several drones to deliver them to soldiers deployed to complete exercise drills at an elevation of 4,500 meters.
The drones are being used to deliver essential supplies like food and medicines to the army mobilized in the high altitude close to the India-China border areas where roads have been blocked and there is little means to transport with ground vehicles.
The one-minute video shows the front-line soldiers having their food dropped by drones in packets. Chinese soldiers are seen putting food packets, water bottles and other items into the drones which later drop those packets to the troops stationed in the high altitude areas.
The delivery of vital goods through drones or other aerial modes is also a part of drills and exercises for Chinese soldiers should they engage in military conflict.
Chinese military analysts say that the adoption of innovative technologies including the drones demonstrates the strength and preparedness of the Chinese army for any potential conflict with India.
An article written by Zhang Hui for the Global Times— a state-affiliated English newspaper of China-has stated that the use of UAVs is an important embodiment of future unmanned warfare. The article quoted Song Zhongping, a military expert and TV commentator, saying that logistics such as those on display in the drill are crucial for soldiers’ performance in military conflicts, and that logistics support can be very difficult in complex plateau areas.
