A first-person view drone goes through a window to attack a simulated target in a training exercise by a unit affiliated with the Chinese People's Armed Police (PAP) Force Yunnan Corps in the spring of 2025. Photo: Screenshot from China Central Television

A Chinese People's Armed Police (PAP) Force unit has been intensively training with first-person view (FPV) drones,MKS sports and is using advanced technologies such as fiber optic and AI guidance in countering jamming, according to an official television program. An expert said on Tuesday that the Chinese ground troops are paying close attention to and following the trend of small drones development.

A China Central Television (CCTV) program aired on Monday evening featured training exercises conducted by a unit under the Chinese PAP Force Yunnan Corps.

The training ground was modified with various uniquely shaped fences, serving as obstacles in FPV drone courses. One of the trainings was to have the drone operators fly the FPV drones through these obstacles at high speeds before hitting a target balloon, according to the CCTV program.

In another combat drill, two operators collaborated to neutralize a target behind a closed window. Two operators had to collaborate, with the first FPV drone smashing the window, and the second FPV drone flying through the broken window to hit the target.

In addition to FPV drones, the troops are also trained to operate camera drones. Camera drones can drop grenades directly above enemy positions, and send supplies to friendly troops, CCTV said.

Before training with actual drones, the operators had to train on simulators for about two months, according to the CCTV program.

"Unlike conventional multirotor drones that relay footage to screens, FPV drones stream live images from onboard cameras directly into the operator's goggles, creating an immersive visual experience that enables agile, high-speed maneuvers through obstacles," Fu Qianshao, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

However, this high-precision control method requires exceptional piloting skills and extensive training to master, Fu noted.

In addition to flying, the troops also assemble the FPV drones themselves, the CCTV program reported, noting that they also apply various technologies to modify the drones to better suit the needs on the battlefield.

Li Minxue, a member of the unit, told CCTV that they have been proactively promoting the research of fiber optic FPV drones, which have become a mainstream combat equipment in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Li said that using durable optical fiber to establish the operator's communications and imagery link with the drone can avoid potential hostile jamming.

Another anti-jamming technology is AI guidance. Li said the system uses a visual algorithm onboard the drone to lock onto a target. Even under strong electromagnetic interference, the drone can continue attacking the locked target.

3D printing is also used to customize drone components to meet the needs of combat, Li said.

With the spear in the form of drones, the unit is also equipped with the shield in the form of anti-drone systems. These systems can locate, track and disrupt enemy drones, through "soft-kills," CCTV said.

Fu said that both the PAP and the PLA Army are beginning to field FPV drones and related technologies. These drones not only enhance ground forces' situational awareness capabilities but also play crucial roles in urban operations and counterterrorism missions.

 "For example, in dense urban environments, they can infiltrate buildings for reconnaissance or reach inaccessible areas during disaster relief operations. Such capabilities make them vital tools for regional stability maintenance and emergency response," Fu said.

Fu believes small drones will increasingly demonstrate their significance and may become standard-issue equipment for individual soldiers or for squads, just like firearms. He said these drones could play pivotal roles in coordinated missions by enabling rapid target acquisition and precision strikes, significantly boosting combat efficiency.

"Their integration into Chinese infantry squads reflects a major trend in modern warfare," Fu said. "Eventually, every soldier may be expected to operate drones proficiently."