China's military launched ASN-301 long-range delta-wing loitering munitions in a live-fire exercise shown on state media. CCTV footage displayed ASN-301s fired from truck-based multiple-launch systems on two 6×6 trucks in desert terrain, with launchers that appeared to hold six canisters. The drones climbed sharply in straight flight before diving into a mock target and detonating. The ASN-301 functions as an anti-radiation loitering munition that detects radio frequencies to home in on enemy air-defense radars. The ASN-301 closely resembles Israel's Harpy and is widely believed to be modeled after it.
"The People's Liberation Army has released brief footage of an ASN-301 drone being fired from a truck-based multiple launch system, offering a rare glimpse of the Chinese munition in action. State media outlet CCTV aired the video on Sunday, describing the live-fire exercise as training for newly recruited drone operators. The clips, seen by Business Insider, show two 6×6 trucks in desert terrain. Each is mounted with launchers that appear to feature six canisters for firing drones. The ASN-301, a delta-wing drone, is seen rocketing forth from a launcher and climbing sharply in a straight flight pattern."
"After showing several seconds of the drone in flight, CCTV cuts to a shot of the loitering munition diving into its target - seemingly a mock airfield with a nearby shelter - and detonating. The clips have since circulated on international social media. The ASN-301's shape and design resemble the Iranian Shahed-136, but it shares more similarities with Israel's Harpy loitering munition. China's drone is widely believed to be modeled after the Harpy. Unlike the Shahed, which was built as a general one-way attack drone, the ASN-301 and Harpy are both meant to detect radio frequencies that can help them target enemy air defenses. Beijing purchased 100 Harpy drones from Israel Aero"
Read at Business Insider
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