On August 22, 2025, a groundbreaking moment in modern warfare unfolded as Chinese state television, CCTV, broadcast riveting footage of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Ground Force conducting a cutting-edge training exercise. The 83rd Group Army, part of the Central Theater Command, showcased an awe-inspiring display of military innovation: unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) armed with rocket launchers, controlled through first-person-view (FPV) goggles and handheld manipulators. This bold demonstration, reported by X user Jesús Román, signals China’s ambitious push into the future of robotic warfare, blending human ingenuity with machine precision in a way that could redefine urban combat.
The exercise, conducted in a simulated semi-urban environment, wasn’t just a routine drill—it was a glimpse into the PLA’s vision for the battlefield of tomorrow. Armored infantry units, spearheaded by the versatile Type 08 (ZBL-08) infantry fighting vehicles, operated in seamless coordination with dismounted infantry wielding 120 mm rocket launchers and heavy machine guns. But the real stars of the show were the UGVs, equipped with rocket and grenade-type weapons, darting through the mock battlefield under the precise control of operators safely positioned away from the chaos. This integration of manned and unmanned systems, known as manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T), represents a seismic shift in how wars might be fought, with machines taking the lead in high-risk scenarios while soldiers orchestrate from secure vantage points.
A New Era of Warfare: The Rise of FPV-Controlled UGVs
The use of FPV technology, where operators don virtual reality-like goggles to see through the “eyes” of the drone, offers an unprecedented level of situational awareness. Imagine a soldier, kilometers away, immersed in a real-time feed from a UGV as it navigates rubble-strewn streets, identifies targets, and unleashes a salvo of rockets with pinpoint accuracy. This isn’t science fiction—it’s the reality China is crafting. The handheld manipulators allow for intuitive control, making these UGVs agile and responsive, capable of maneuvering through the complex terrain of urban environments where traditional vehicles might falter.
Unlike earlier attempts at robotic warfare, such as Russia’s Uran-9 or U.S. experiments with armed robotic vehicles, which grappled with issues like autonomy and reliability, China’s approach is strikingly practical. By prioritizing direct FPV control over fully autonomous systems, the PLA sidesteps some of the technological hurdles that have plagued other programs. This simplicity makes the UGVs combat-ready now, not years down the line. The footage showed these machines working in tandem with Type 08 IFVs, creating a layered assault strategy where robots absorb the initial risks, paving the way for human forces to advance with reduced exposure.
Why Urban Combat? The Strategic Context
Urban warfare is notoriously brutal—tight spaces, unpredictable threats, and high civilian presence make it a nightmare for traditional forces. China’s focus on semi-urban environments for this exercise is no coincidence. As global conflicts increasingly shift to cities, from Aleppo to Mariupol, militaries worldwide are rethinking how to dominate these battlegrounds. The PLA’s integration of FPV-controlled UGVs addresses this challenge head-on. These drones can scout ahead, engage enemy positions, and clear obstacles, all while keeping human soldiers out of the line of fire. The rocket launchers mounted on these UGVs add a devastating punch, capable of neutralizing fortified positions or light vehicles with precision.
This development also reflects lessons learned from recent conflicts, particularly the Russia-Ukraine war, where FPV drones have reshaped the battlefield. Ukraine’s use of low-cost, agile drones to target tanks and fortifications has shown the world how unmanned systems can level the playing field. China, ever observant, has clearly taken note, adapting these tactics to ground-based platforms. The PLA’s UGVs aren’t just drones—they’re force multipliers, amplifying the firepower and flexibility of infantry and armored units.
The Technology Behind the Revolution
The UGVs showcased in the exercise are a testament to China’s technological prowess. While specific details about the platforms remain classified, the broadcast hinted at their capabilities: modular weapon systems, including rocket and grenade launchers, and robust communication systems ensuring real-time control. The FPV goggles likely incorporate advanced optics and low-latency feeds, critical for navigating the chaotic, debris-filled streets of a city. Handheld manipulators suggest a user-friendly interface, allowing operators to focus on tactics rather than wrestling with complex controls.
The integration with Type 08 IFVs is particularly noteworthy. These 8×8 wheeled vehicles, equipped with advanced electronics and 30 mm cannons, are already a cornerstone of the PLA’s mechanized forces. Pairing them with UGVs creates a symbiotic relationship: the IFVs provide heavy firepower and troop transport, while the UGVs extend their reach, acting as scouts and strikers. This combined-arms approach mirrors broader trends in military strategy, where traditional platforms like tanks and IFVs are increasingly supported by unmanned systems.
Global Implications: A Shift in Battlefield Dynamics
China’s demonstration sends a clear message to the world: the PLA is not just keeping pace with global military trends—it’s aiming to lead. The use of FPV-controlled UGVs in urban assault drills underscores Beijing’s commitment to robotic warfare, a field where it’s already making strides with aerial drones like the GJ-11 Sharp Sword and FPV systems armed with grenades. By extending these capabilities to ground vehicles, China is building a versatile arsenal that can adapt to diverse combat scenarios, from open battlefields to dense urban sprawls.
This development has significant implications for global security. For one, it challenges Western militaries to accelerate their own unmanned programs. The U.S., for instance, is investing heavily in counter-drone technologies and unmanned systems like the Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FTUAS), but its ground-based robotic efforts lag behind. Russia, too, is grappling with drone threats in Ukraine, retrofitting tanks like the T-90M with anti-drone armor. China’s approach, blending simplicity with lethality, could give it an edge in near-term conflicts.
Moreover, the affordability of FPV-controlled UGVs makes them a potential game-changer for smaller nations or non-state actors. While China’s systems are likely backed by state-of-the-art infrastructure, the core concept—low-cost drones with direct control—could be replicated by others, raising concerns about proliferation. The PLA’s focus on exportable systems, as seen with Norinco’s OW5-A50 laser defense platform, suggests these UGVs could eventually appear on the global arms market.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite the promise, challenges remain. FPV systems, while effective, rely on stable communications, which could be disrupted by electronic warfare (EW). Ukraine’s experiments with fiber-optic-controlled drones highlight one solution, but it’s unclear if China’s UGVs incorporate similar countermeasures. Additionally, urban environments pose unique challenges—signal interference, physical obstacles, and the need for real-time decision-making all test the limits of current technology. The PLA’s emphasis on human-in-the-loop control mitigates some risks, but scaling these systems for swarm operations or greater autonomy will require further investment.
Looking ahead, China’s trajectory is clear: robotic warfare is no longer a side project but a core pillar of its military strategy. The 83rd Group Army’s exercise is just the beginning. As the PLA refines its UGVs, we can expect advancements in AI integration, swarm tactics, and multi-domain operations, where ground drones coordinate with aerial and naval systems. The upcoming military parade on September 3, 2025, to mark the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan, may offer further glimpses into these capabilities, with new drones and armored vehicles already spotted in rehearsals.
Conclusion: A Glimpse into the Future
China’s demonstration of FPV-controlled ground drones armed with rocket launchers is more than a technological flex—it’s a bold statement of intent. By marrying cutting-edge robotics with tried-and-true combined-arms tactics, the PLA is forging a path toward a new kind of warfare, where machines lead the charge and humans call the shots from safety. This exercise, captured in vivid detail by CCTV, is a wake-up call for militaries worldwide: the urban battlefield is evolving, and China is setting the pace.
As the world watches, one thing is certain: the age of robotic warfare has arrived, and China’s UGVs are at the forefront, ready to reshape the modern battlefield with precision, power, and relentless innovation. Follow Army Recognition on Google News for more updates on this transformative development.
