PLA Showcases Lifelike 'Bionic Bird' Drone In Chinese Military Competition Event

On PLA Day, August 1, 2024, the Chinese military held the first-ever "King of Guns Challenge" at the PLA Army Infantry Academy. This event garnered extensive coverage, granting general audiences a rare and insightful glimpse into the operational capabilities and tactical styles of the PLA's elite Tier-1 special forces from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. A video of an exercise incorporating a bionic bird drone used for a reconnaissance mission was uploaded to Military Fans World on YouTube on August 8, 2024. Moscow-Based American social media influencer Jackson Hinkle shared a section of the video on X on March 6, 2025.

In one of the official videos released by "China Military Network" covering this high-profile event, a bionic bird drone (also known as a “micro bionic flapping-wing drone”) attracted significant attention from military observers and technology enthusiasts alike. During the demonstration, a Chinese Navy special forces operative deployed the bionic bird drone, which seamlessly blended into its environment while conducting a reconnaissance mission for the Navy special forces squad. The drone’s realistic movements closely mimicked those of an actual bird, making it particularly challenging to identify as a drone from a considerable distance, thus enhancing its effectiveness in covert operations.

The Chinese military has previously deployed bird-like drones primarily for surveillance purposes. The "Dove" program, initiated around 2018, developed drones that closely mimic the appearance and flight patterns of real birds. By 2018, more than 30 military and government agencies had already utilized these drones across at least five provinces, including the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

While it remains unclear whether these types of drones have been extensively integrated into the PLA’s regular operational protocols or actively utilized in real-world conflicts, China's advancements in drone technology continue to accelerate. Innovations such as the bionic bird drone indicate a significant leap in stealth and reconnaissance capabilities, potentially reshaping the landscape of modern surveillance and battlefield intelligence. As these sophisticated technologies mature, Western military analysts increasingly view China’s rapidly evolving drone arsenal as a serious strategic concern, underscoring a shifting balance in global military technological competition.

Narrator 1: "Another team member has now released a bionic bird, whose role is forward reconnaissance because our next step is to occupy and establish our own forward reconnaissance base. It can be seen that the two frogmen in front are currently leading the following assault team, which is advancing in formation using electric waterboards on the water surface."

Narrator 2: "The way the navy came out is so cool, and the realism of this bionic bird is especially convincing."

Narrator 1: "Indeed, you can now see this waterborne assault team using electric surfboards, with each member fully equipped. At present, it appears they move at a relatively high speed, maintaining a neat and very orderly formation. All right, they've reached the landing point, and team members are quickly entering the water.

"The members carry waterproof packs – these are waterproof bags that allow us to carry necessary waterproof supplies and equipment for underwater or surface operations. After landing, they swiftly occupy the forward reconnaissance base. Here, they will camouflage and bury some of the equipment they've carried, unload gear needed for the next phase of action, and study and deploy the following operational steps."

Narrator 2: "Immediately after reaching the scene, they enter dense jungle terrain – moving particularly quickly from water to shore."

Narrator 1: "Yes, and now what we're seeing is a bionic bird in the air conducting forward reconnaissance of the area ahead. The bionic bird closely resembles a real bird, effectively concealing its intentions to a significant extent.

"All right, at this point, our squad should have completed the deployment for the initial phase of the operation and is currently preparing for the subsequent combat actions.

"All right, so what you can see is that our team members are using electric skateboards designed for land."

Narrator 2: "Yet another new method of transportation is being employed."

Narrator 1: "Indeed, as we adhere to the principle of utilizing all available equipment in combat, some might wonder: 'Isn't that just a toy?' It's not. This electric skateboard has several advantages: first, it is lightweight, second, it is fully electric and operates silently, third, it achieves sufficient speed and endurance to meet our basic needs, and fourth, it also has local off-road capabilities."

Narrator 2: "It even has off-road capabilities?"

Narrator 1: "That’s correct. Right now, we see our team members moving forward in formation, currently in a single-file line. They adopted this formation because enemy threats are assessed as relatively low. At present, concerns about enemy activity appear minimal because our bionic bird has already conducted reconnaissance and reported back the relevant situation. In situations where there are fewer concerns about enemy activity, they can confidently and boldly advance rapidly. But even so, you can see they still maintain a single-file formation. Throughout their movement, they remain vigilant, perfectly maintaining the spacing between the team members at the front and back. Currently, this assault team is advancing rapidly and will soon reach their launch point.

"All right, they are now approaching their assault position. Now another 'eagle' is being deployed, and the bionic bird continues reconnoitering the positions ahead."

Narrator 2: "What is he holding in his hand?"

Narrator 1: "This is a flying grenade, designed to release smoke grenades for obscuration. Additionally, this smoke grenade also has the explosive capability to strike targets. Just now, two snipers have occupied their positions. These snipers also perform reconnaissance, provide security, and engage high-value targets at long distances. All right, the snipers have successfully eliminated a high-value enemy target from long range."

Narrator 2: "Exceptional accuracy!"