China has stationed converted fighter jets—now functioning as attack drones—at multiple airbases near the Taiwan Strait, according to a new report, highlighting evolving military tactics aimed at overwhelming defenses in a potential conflict.
The findings, from the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, are based on satellite imagery showing rows of obsolete J-6 aircraft at six bases—five in Fujian province and one in Guangdong. Originally designed in the 1960s, the jets have been converted into unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) capable of carrying out attack missions.
Drones designed for mass assault
Experts estimate that more than 200 of these repurposed aircraft have been deployed near the strait. Rather than operating as traditional drones, they are expected to function more like cruise missiles, flying directly into targets during the early stages of a military operation.
J. Michael Dahm, a senior fellow at the institute, said the strategy would involve launching large numbers of these drones simultaneously to overwhelm air defence systems.
“They will attack Taiwan, U.S. or allied targets in large numbers, effectively overwhelming air defenses,” he said.
Pressure on Taiwan’s defence systems
Taiwan is already preparing for such a scenario. Officials say the primary purpose of these drones would be to exhaust the island’s air defence capabilities in an initial wave of attacks.
A senior Taiwanese security official noted that intercepting such drones poses a cost challenge, as expensive missiles may be required to neutralise relatively low-cost targets. In response, Taiwan’s defence ministry has outlined plans to acquire a new generation of counter-drone systems.
Part of broader military strategy
The deployment reflects China’s broader investment in drone warfare as part of a wider military buildup. Alongside these converted aircraft, Beijing is developing more advanced UAVs, as well as expanding its arsenal of missiles, bombers and modern fighter jets.
China views Taiwan as its own territory and has not ruled out the use of force to assert control. Taiwan, however, rejects these claims, maintaining that its future should be decided by its own people.
Cost-effective but difficult to counter
Although the J-6 drones are not among China’s most advanced systems, analysts say they present a unique challenge. Their speed and size mean they cannot easily be intercepted by smaller, low-cost counter-drone technologies, potentially requiring more sophisticated and expensive missile systems.
Military analysts warn that in a conflict scenario, such drones could be deployed alongside missiles and other aircraft in a coordinated, multi-layered attack—creating what one expert described as an “air defence nightmare.”
