China Showcases Machine Gun-Wielding Robot Dogs in Cambodia's Largest Military Exercise

[Social Media]

 

China has showcased its machine gun-wielding robot dogs during a significant 15-day military exercise in Cambodia. The event, which marked the largest-ever joint drill between the two nations, featured a host of advanced unmanned vehicles, with the robotic dogs taking center stage. The exercise, known as "Golden Dragon," involved approximately 2,000 troops, including 760 Chinese soldiers, and took place in central Kampong Chhnang Province and off the coast of Preah Sihanouk Province.

 

The robotic dogs, equipped with back-mounted machine guns, were a major highlight of the exercises. Although the drones were not live-fired, their impressive mobility was demonstrated to Cambodian military officials and journalists. This demonstration underscored the increasing role of robotics and unmanned technologies in modern warfare, a domain both China and the United States are keenly contesting. Cambodian armed forces commander-in-chief, Vong Pisen, praised the robotic dogs, stating that they would "enhance the capabilities" of both armies in combating terrorism. This sentiment was echoed by other military officials who viewed the technology as a significant step forward in military innovation.

 

 

Despite the display of camaraderie and technological sharing, underlying geopolitical tensions were evident. Cambodian leaders have consistently claimed that no foreign military base would be allowed on their soil. However, this assertion seems at odds with recent developments at the Ream naval base near Sihanoukville. This base, which has been under significant renovation with Chinese assistance, hosted two Chinese warships in December, marking the first visit since the expansion began. The Cambodian defense ministry confirmed that these ships were there to train Cambodian naval personnel in preparation for the Golden Dragon exercises.

 

A spokesperson clarified that the Chinese vessels were conducting tests at the Ream Naval Base, which China is upgrading for Cambodia. This statement aimed to dispel concerns about Chinese troops being permanently stationed at the base. Nevertheless, the arrival of a third Chinese warship in Sihanoukville on the eve of the exercises further fueled speculation about Beijing's strategic intentions in the region. Washington has expressed growing concern over these developments, fearing that Ream could serve as a strategic foothold for China near the disputed South China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. The U.S. worries that Beijing's influence in Cambodia, bolstered by significant investments, could alter the balance of power in the region.

 

Cambodia's close relationship with China, underscored by billions of dollars in Chinese investments, has been a source of unease for U.S. officials. This anxiety is heightened by the belief that unmanned technologies, such as the robotic dogs showcased in the exercises, will be crucial in future conflicts. The robotic dogs, reportedly made by the Chinese company Unitree, are available online for thousands of U.S. dollars. During the Golden Dragon drills, these quadrupeds were kept "on the leash" and did not perform live-fire demonstrations, according to reports from Agence France-Presse.

 

The use of weapon-wielding machines is not new in the defense industry. The U.S. Marine Corps, for instance, tested a rocket launcher mounted on a robotic goat last year. Similarly, Ghost Robotics' mechanical dogs were utilized in an exercise at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada in 2020, and some have since been deployed to Cape Cod Space Force Station in Massachusetts.

 

 

While it remains unclear when China's armed robotic dogs will see action in actual combat, their potential applications are vast. These machines could be used to transport supplies, scout dangerous areas, act as decoys, and more. The demonstration in Cambodia highlighted the growing role of robotics in military strategy and the ongoing race between global powers to dominate this frontier. The first Golden Dragon drills took place in 2016, and since then, the scale and complexity of the exercises have increased. Notably, in early 2017, Cambodia canceled the Angkor Sentinel joint exercise with U.S. forces, which had been conducted for seven years, signaling a shift towards closer military ties with China.

 

The 2024 exercises, described as the largest of their kind, were primarily funded by China, further indicating the deepening military cooperation between the two countries. Thong Solimo, a spokesman for the Cambodian army, emphasized the significance of the drills, noting that they included live-fire exercises, anti-terrorism training, and humanitarian and rescue drills. The participation of 14 warships, helicopters, and nearly seventy armored vehicles and tanks underscored the comprehensive nature of the training.

 

Credit: AXIOS 2024-05-28

 

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[Chomper Higgot]

China places example of their technology espionage on public display.

[Tug]

Let’s buy one and gift it to Christy Nome we can name it crickets revenge 😂 looks like new toys for the soldier pork barrel those things cost a lot more than kibble lol personally to me a real live viscous dog is a lot scary than a robo dog

[JonnyF]

Hope they have sufficient charging stations in the desert. 

[BusyB]

5 hours ago, JonnyF said:

Hope they have sufficient charging stations in the desert. 

 

Solar.

[Purdey]

If you have seen the 2019 War of the Worlds TV series, the very sight of such robots will make your blood run cold.

[Martin71]

Chinese POS... look how much the muzzle jumps when firing a round.. let alone full auto...

[black tabby12345]

Machine Gun-Wielding Robot Dogs made in China.

 

Looks like one step closer to the judgement day LOL.

[Denim]

Easy to deal with any threat from these. Just throw a piece of rebar and shout fetch and they will be unable to resist their k9 programming. 

[JonnyF]

18 hours ago, BusyB said:

 

Solar.

 

I'm sure the enemy will be happy to wait an hour for the battery to charge. 

 

I hope there's a Starbucks next to the charging booth.