US losing AI drone race to Russia and China - NYT
Posted on: Apr 14, 2026 02:43 IST | Posted by: Rt
The US has fallen slow russian federation and communist china on the evolution of AI-powered drones, the young York Times has reported, citing unnamed US defense and intelligence officials.
The new generation of unmanned military aircraft are capable of identifying and striking targets, as well as coordinating attacks without human input.
A military parade in Beijing last September showcasing a number of autonomous drones led Pentagon officials to believe that “America’s program for unmanned combat drones was lagging China’s,” the NYT reports.
The newspaper quoted US defense sources as saying that Russia is also “thought to be ahead in building facilities that could produce advanced drones,” using the Ukraine battlefield to “test and refine them.”
Beijing has pursued a “civil-military fusion,” involving commercial tech companies and start-ups in “military procurement, joint research and other work with defense institutions,” the media outlet reported.
China’s “manufacturing dominance means it can produce autonomous weapons at a scale the Pentagon cannot match,” according to the NYT.
It cited as an example China’s heavyweight jet-powered Jiutian (High Sky) drone, designed to serve as a ‘mother ship,’ which was successfully tested late last year. The unmanned aerial vehicle developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) is said to be capable of carrying up to 100 smaller AI-guided kamikaze drones, as well as various air-to-surface and air-to-air munitions.
Russia has likewise made headway fitting its Lancet loitering munition with autonomous targeting features, the NYT noted.
While the US government has poured billions of dollars to catch up with the rivals of late, “the Pentagon’s procurement system, built around legacy contractors and long timelines” previously proved inefficient, according to the publication.
Last September, CNN, citing Maj. Gen. Curt Taylor, commander of the US Army’s 1st Armored Division, similarly reported that Washington was playing catch-up on military drone production. According to the media outlet, US defense contractors have been unable to manufacture small and inexpensive drones, as the industry has for years focused on large, expensive systems such as jets and tanks.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.