CaliToday (26/8/2025): Beijing has begun deploying a new air defense system designed to counter drone swarm attacks, as the People's Liberation Army (PLA) adopts measures against the growing threat of low-cost, expendable unmanned aerial vehicles.
The FK-3000, first unveiled at the 2022 Zhuhai Airshow, has been spotted in rehearsals for an upcoming military parade. According to Chinese sources, the system was specifically developed to counter the rising danger of drone swarms, particularly low-altitude threats similar to Iran's Shahed drones, which have been used extensively in conflicts.
Mounted on a three-axle, all-wheel-drive vehicle with an armored cabin, the FK-3000 integrates a 30mm auto-cannon, surface-to-air missiles, and advanced fire-control equipment designed for all-weather operations. The system includes two launchers, each carrying 12 short-range missiles, enabling it to engage multiple targets simultaneously.
Its developers claim the system can neutralize aerial threats at ranges from 300 to 12,000 meters. A modular design allows the platform to be equipped with different types of missiles, including micro-missiles optimized for anti-drone missions.
The FK-3000 is intended to protect critical infrastructure and frontline positions, with an arsenal tailored to the drone threat. Observers note that China's focus on counter-drone systems reflects lessons learned from recent wars, where inexpensive yet lethal drones have inflicted heavy damage on both military and civilian targets.
By combining auto-cannon firepower with layered missile coverage, the FK-3000 offers redundancy against diverse threats, from small quadcopters to larger fixed-wing drones. The system's configuration suggests the PLA is prioritizing flexible, multi-layered defense for both its military units and strategic facilities.
Drone swarms pose a particular problem for conventional air defense. Traditional systems designed for aircraft or cruise missiles often struggle to deal with dozens of smaller, cheaper drones flying at once. Chinese officials state the FK-3000 is designed to bridge that gap by providing a specialized tool for large-scale engagements.
The growing importance of counter-drone technology has been demonstrated worldwide. Russia, Ukraine, and NATO members have all accelerated the development of short-range air defense systems to address the same challenge. China's deployment of the FK-3000 underscores Beijing's concern that adversaries could use swarm tactics to overwhelm traditional defenses.
The FK-3000's modular architecture also suggests adaptability to future threats. Engineers highlighted its ability to accommodate new missile types and potentially integrate advanced sensors and networked command systems. By building flexibility into the platform, the PLA aims to ensure its long-term relevance against evolving aerial threats.
The deployment of the FK-3000 represents China's response to what defense analysts increasingly see as a central challenge in modern warfare: the mass use of inexpensive drones.
