China tests new drone helicopter from amphibious Type 075 warship

China has tested a new autonomous drone helicopter aboard its Type 075 amphibious assault ship, marking a significant step in expanding the People's Liberation Army Navy's (PLAN) use of unmanned systems. State media footage revealed the drone, believed to be the AR-2000 developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, operating on the deck of the Type 075 vessel, known as the Hubei. This drone weighs about two tons and is slightly smaller than the crewed Z-20 helicopter. The Type 075 is a large amphibious platform capable of carrying over 30 helicopters and launching or recovering up to six simultaneously, often described as a helicopter or light aircraft carrier. Military analysts highlight that the drone's compact, autonomous design could greatly enhance operational capacity aboard naval ships by allowing multiple drones to operate simultaneously and under more challenging weather and sea conditions than crewed helicopters. The drone is expected to perform a variety of missions, including reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare, and strike operations with weapons such