Emerging Trends in Chinas Development of （新兴的趋势在中国的发展）.pdf

C O R P O R A T I O N Emerging Trends in China’s Development of Unmanned Systems Michael S. Chase, Kristen A. Gunness, Lyle J.Morris, Samuel K. Berkowitz, and Benjamin S. Purser III SUMMARY ■ To better understand trends in Chi- Key findings nese unmanned systems research, development, acquisi- tion, and employment, and their potential implications, • Unmanned systems are emerging as a key area of emphasis for China, one that appears to enjoy consid- RAND undertook exploratory analysis to lay an initial erable national-level funding and support. foundation for future research on China’s development and use of unmanned systems, including unmanned aerial • Unmanned vehicles with intelligence capabilities could vehicles (UAVs), unmanned undersea vehicles (UUVs), improve Chinese long-distance targeting. and unmanned surface vessels (USVs). The exploratory • Unmanned vehicles with surveillance and reconnais- analysis focused on identifying sources related to Chinese sance capabilities could play a growing role in monitor- development of maritime unmanned systems, including ing territorial disputes at sea. UUVs, USVs, and UAVs, with an emphasis on systems • As China develops and improves its unmanned-vehicle intended for the maritime environment, because