China Is Developing AI-Camouflaged ‘Invisible’ Missile Launchers For Use In Future Warfare

 China is developing launchers for its series of road-mobile missiles named “Dongfeng.” They could evade being detected by drones, radars, and satellites.

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology will be applied for the Dongfeng launchers, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on Thursday, quoting Chinese state TV broadcaster CCTV.

“I believe that on the battlefields of the future, our counterparts will not see us or know the whereabouts of our [missile launchers],” a Rocket Force expert stated during a Sunday broadcast of CCTV.

“The relationship between the missiles and the launching platform is like bullets and a gun … what we can do is to explore the potential for the platform and provide more options for future combat.”

Artificial intelligence will make the missile launchers more tactical and “invisible,” according to Yang Biwu, PLA’s Rocket Force expert who worked on the DF-17 hypersonic missile’s launch mechanism. This camouflages in the surroundings.

The DF-17 medium-range missile is said to be capable of breaching U.S. missile defenses. It is allegedly the first active hypersonic glide vehicle weapon ever.

These missile launchers will help create more advanced and new weapons.

The launch vehicle for the DF-17, according to a source close to the PLA, is a modified version of the one used for the DF-16B ballistic missiles.

The DF-41 is allegedly capable of targeting the mainland U.S. with its estimated range of more than 12,000 kilometers (7,450 miles).

“Protecting troops and weapons is the top priority in all warfare situations, and especially given China’s ‘no first use’ nuclear policy, which requires better protection during preparation for a ‘second strike,'” said Zhongping.

Almost all the missiles in the Dongfeng, or DF, series are dual-capable weapons that can carry traditional and nuclear warheads.

The launchers “could evade detection from satellites and the infrared rays of radar and drones, turning the PLA’s missile systems into chameleon-like objects and keeping them hidden in any terrain,” said Zhongping.

The CCTV broadcast also showed the footage of the Chinese aircraft carrier Fujian and a new fighter jet, AI-enabled tanks, new warships, and other military hardware along with the camouflage launchers Yang’s team developed for missiles like the DF-41 solid-fuel road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missile.