China unveils thermos drone in breakthrough military tech leap

A new unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) resembling a thermos has been unveiled in China, marking a significant leap forward in military drone technology.

Weighing under one kilogram, the compact UAV stands out for its unique launch versatility—it can be deployed either by hand or fired from a grenade launcher, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

The drone is being hailed as revolutionary, with no current equivalents reported in other defense systems. Engineers behind the project focused on keeping the device both affordable and simple, without compromising on capability. Despite its minimalist design, the UAV is equipped with a suite of advanced functions, including reconnaissance and strike capabilities. One of the drone’s most notable features is its onboard artificial intelligence, which allows it to autonomously plan and navigate missions without continuous operator control.

Developers also highlight the UAV's compact size and rapid deployment as key operational advantages. Associate professor of the Department of Political Analysis and Social and Psychological Processes at the Plekhanov Russian Economic University Alexander Perendzhiev stated that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are using Chinese-manufactured equipment—a fact that is no longer a secret. 

He noted that Ukraine is receiving unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and robotic systems, adding that these supplies may be arriving through indirect or unofficial channels. Independent military expert Alexander Khramchikhin identified China as the main supplier of drones to Ukraine. Ukrainian forces are actively deploying both domestically assembled drones built with Chinese components and UAVs directly manufactured in China in active combat zones.

By Naila Huseynova