Commentary
In light of the imminent technological advancements in warfare, it is crucial for the United States and its allies to take proactive measures, maintain their lead, and diminish the capabilities of potential adversaries.
China’s development of “loyal wingman” fighter drones has garnered significant attention. These wingmen are designed to work in unison with crewed jet fighters or lead a group of smaller drones. When deployed in large numbers, these wingmen and smaller drones have the potential to overwhelm manned fighter jets and air defenses swiftly. They are jet-powered but more cost-effective to operate than traditional fighter jets since they do not require skilled pilots. Simulated dogfights between human pilots and AI pilots that learn dynamically have shown AI victories as early as 2020.
The latest version of the Chinese wingman drone, known as the Feihong FH-97A, represents a substantial improvement over its predecessors unveiled in 2022 and 2023. The FH-97A reportedly outpaces its U.S. counterpart, the XQ-58A Valkyrie, and boasts a range of approximately 620 miles. This range is sufficient to cover Taiwan entirely, including crucial sea lanes on the island’s eastern side for potential wartime logistics or naval blockades. From Chinese territories, the FH-97A can patrol South Korea, the East China Sea, parts of Japan and the Philippines, as well as the entire South China Sea through strategic airfield positioning and artificial islands.
Furthermore, the FH-97A could potentially target any location in the United States or Europe in the future. Its ability to launch from aircraft carriers and the People’s Liberation Army’s plans to equip it with aerial refueling capabilities enhance its strategic reach. These drones, combined with the PLA Air Force’s other recent advancements, including stealth fighter jets and bombers, can be utilized for various missions such as air and ground attacks, electronic warfare, reconnaissance, and bomber escort.
While the United States has historically possessed better-trained fighter pilots and more advanced aircraft, the tables may be turning. With the implementation of AI programs that have demonstrated superiority over human pilots, China’s prowess in high technology and mass production could potentially surpass that of the United States, shifting air superiority decisively to the PLA. This shift could have immediate and severe implications for countries already facing military pressure from Beijing, such as Taiwan, the Philippines, Japan, and India.
One promising defense against Chinese drones involves laser-based weaponry. For instance, the HELIOS system deployed on a U.S. naval destroyer in 2022 and the DragonFire system tested by the United Kingdom in January are notable examples. The DragonFire laser can precisely eliminate targets within its line of sight by severing drone mechanics or detonating warheads. Each shot costs less than £10 ($12.61) to fire for 10 seconds, making it a cost-effective solution for dismantling enemy systems. In comparison, missile interceptors costing over a million dollars may prove inefficient against relatively inexpensive Iranian military drones, which can cost as low as $2,000 each. The British plan to deploy their laser system on naval vessels by 2027, with potential deployment by the British army as well. Chinese scientists are also developing laser weapons, including those for space applications.
Laser weapons have the potential to neutralize intercontinental ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles, and compel surface and aerial combatants to submerge underwater, where lasers are less effective. Subsurface vessels could become less effective against land-based targets, except for those in close proximity to the coast. In scenarios like Ukraine, widespread adoption of laser weaponry could lead to prolonged standoffs for years to come.
The United States currently stands as the world’s preeminent superpower, both economically and militarily. However, history has shown that no superpower reigns forever. A single misstep resulting in the loss of technological superiority to countries like China or Russia could potentially mark the end of the United States as we know it. It is imperative to seize this opportunity to avert such a catastrophic outcome.
Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
