A specialized unit dedicated to detecting and dealing with small unmanned aircraft has been set up within the People’s Liberation Army Air Force. Its main focus is small, slow-moving drones flying at an altitude of less than 1,000 meters, Zhao Lei of the China Daily reports.
The unit performs drills against a squadron equipped with multiple types of drones to simulate reconnaissance, infiltration or strike operations. The unit commander Liu Hui said his men have been closely following developments in the aviation industry and keep improving their drone database.
As unmanned aircraft have become increasingly popular in China, their use has sometimes brought civilians and businesses into conflict with the police, civil aviation and military authorities. Small drones can pose a substantial threat to key positions as their small size and low speed makes them difficult to detect with radar.
