China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has deployed a large number of quadruped robots known as "wolf robots" in training that assumes an amphibious landing operation on Taiwan. It is an attempt to replace the dangerous spearhead role of beach landings, which once depended on soldiers' lives, with unmanned equipment.
On the 4th, according to China Central Television (CCTV) Military Channel and others, the PLA Eastern Theater Command Army's 72nd Group Army "Huangchaoling Hero Company" recently conducted a realistic amphibious landing drill. This unit is the main force for operations concerning the Taiwan Strait.
While promoting the results, China's state media released footage showing quadruped robots, named "machine wolves," and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) charging onto the shore ahead of human soldiers. They also reported that the Chinese military's unmanned combat systems are moving from the technology verification stage to actual deployment.
According to the reports, the wolf robots that reached the beach were the first to charge into enemy lines, clearing obstacles. Some were divided into attack and transport variants, taking on reconnaissance while also providing fire support and transporting supplies.
In the air, a swarm of FPV (first-person view) suicide drones launched simultaneously. The drones carried out precision strikes on targets such as enemy trenches and fortified positions (碉堡). United Daily News (UDN) cited the drill as saying the time "from detection to destruction" of a target was cut to within 10 seconds.
The attack-type wolf robots breached obstacles such as barbed wire and trenches and opened a defensive passage in three to five minutes. They were followed by transport-type wolf robots carrying 20 kg of ammunition and first-aid kits. United Daily News reported, "One soldier controlled nine wolf robots and six drones simultaneously while viewing a 3D battlefield model," adding, "The combat radius expanded to four times that of a standard squad."
The wolf robots that appeared this time were developed by China South Industries Group Corporation (CSGC). They weigh about 70 kg and can carry 20 kg. Five cameras enable 360-degree scanning of the surroundings. The robots also drew attention when they appeared alongside large drones and unmanned helicopters in China's military parade in September. These systems illustrate the Chinese military's attempt to shift from "human-wave tactics (人海戰術)" to "intelligent-sea tactics (智海戰術)," or intelligent maritime tactics.
However, in the footage, some wolf robots showed insufficient concealment in the open beach environment. They also lacked protective armor to withstand attacks from light weapons, making them easy to destroy by gunfire. During the drill, one wolf robot was blown up by light weapons. Some military experts noted that key components of the wolf robots were exposed, reducing survivability.
Chinese media said the drill "showed deviations in assessing future battlefield conditions," and "revealed insufficient survivability of unmanned equipment in situations requiring defense."