China tests 96-unit Atlas drone swarm with 3-second launch speed

China has demonstrated its Atlas drone swarm operations system in a comprehensive test showcasing a fully integrated combat chain that combines reconnaissance, target selection, launch control, and strike execution. The March 25 demonstration highlighted the system’s ability to detect multiple targets, identify a high-value command vehicle, and execute a precision strike through coordinated drone deployment. The Swarm-2 ground combat vehicle, introduced in 2024, can launch 48 fixed-wing drones, while a separate command vehicle can control up to 96 drones simultaneously. Drones are launched at a rapid rate of one every three seconds, with launch sequences dynamically adjusted based on mission requirements, allowing for flexible deployment of reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and strike units. The Atlas system emphasizes software-driven, autonomous coordination, with AI-enabled capabilities for target recognition, task allocation, route planning, and adaptation to changing battlefield conditions, including environmental factors like airflow disturbances. This scalable architecture supports multifunctional swarms composed of drones carrying various payloads such as sensors, munitions