New video material has provided the initial glimpse of China's truck-mounted electromagnetic catapult introducing a drone, as its creator reveals information about this extensive range of modular units weapon systems.
The video captures three vehicles with eight wheels each, featuring flat tops, moving onto what seems to be an airstrip. After positioning themselves and linking together using mechanical joints, they create a seamless surface. Along this extended platform, a propeller-driven aircraft speeds up before lifting into the sky.
The School of Mechanical Engineering at the Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) shared the video on social media on Tuesday — approximately six months following the system's initial appearance onboard the cargo ship Zhong Da 79 at a Shanghai shipyard.
Are you curious about the major issues and developments happening globally? Find your answers here with SCMP Knowledge Our latest platform featuring carefully selected content, including explanations, frequently asked questions, analysis, and visual graphics, presented by our acclaimed team.
The entry seems to have been removed.
The observation made at the end of December drew significant interest, featuring images displaying various military hardware such as vertical missile launch units, radar detectors, and defensive mechanisms, all incorporated within altered cargo containers.
The newest video includes a clip showing the most recent modular units introduced in Tuesday's update — such as the divided electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) — being placed aboard the Zhong Da 79.
As stated in the posting, every truck is engineered to fit within a conventional container and is part of the "containerized weapons module system" initiative, led by BIT with participation from over 70 Chinese research institutions.
It mentioned that there were at least 10 additional modules, such as maritime drones, air defense, anti-ship and anti-submarine operations, ground attacks, radar surveillance, point-defense systems, electronic warfare, undersea fighting, command and coordination, and supply and maintenance.
According to the post, with an annual output of 2,000 units, these systems facilitate extensive, quick 'plug-and-play' modular installation on both sea and ground vehicles.
This will evolve into an innovative feature defined by exceptionally low expenses, extensive manufacturing ability, and broad implementation.
Although it is probable that certain container modules observed last year served as prototypes, the video capturing the mobile EMALS system in operation confirmed that this aspect of the initiative continues to progress.
"It is yet uncertain whether this technology has reached full maturity. However, the most recent update conveys a signal to outsiders," stated military analyst Song Zhongping.
A mainland military analyst named Fu Qianshao pointed out that the modular EMALS system allows aircraft to launch from challenging terrains and ships, enhancing the operational versatility of drones.
"Using a couple of trucks to build a portable electromagnetic launcher enables launching from almost any location, removing the necessity for even a basic roadway," Fu stated.
Advanced unmanned aerial vehicles might be utilized in locations such as China's elevated western frontier near India or the archipelagos scattered across the Pacific Ocean.
Fu pointed out that the system could be deployed right at the frontline—like along shorelines or even from vessels at sea—which significantly reduced the drones' travel distance by hundreds of kilometers.
Certain Chinese defense analysts suggest that modular weaponry systems might allow for the quick transformation of commercial vessels into military assets, particularly in scenarios involving conflict in the... Taiwan Strait.
Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China and has never ruled out the use of force for reunification. The United States, like most nations, does not recognise Taiwan as an independent state but is opposed to any forcible change to the status quo and is committed to providing arms for its defence.
The BIT report stated that besides supporting China's national defense, the objective is to export modular weaponry, mainly to Belt and Road Initiative allies and countries of the Global South.
The objective is to "end the traditional Western control over global sea power" and "encourage fair distribution of naval privileges" across the world, it stated.
Song stated that the standard-sized modular weapons system facilitated easier transportation, storage, handling, and customization for specific missions. However, for the global market, its success would rely on how well prospective customers embraced the idea.
Colonel Yue Gang, a former member of the Chinese People's Liberation Army and defense analyst, stated that containerized modular weaponry might "change the way contemporary battles are fought," allowing for a decentralized, smart battlefield structure covering both sea and ground areas.
The framework—connecting universities, government-controlled defense firms, and private businesses—was an element of the nation's military-industrial integration policy, according to him, aiming to direct innovations from the private sector toward national security.
"It has the potential to fully leverage the integration of military and civilian sectors... thereby enhancing both national defense and industrial growth," he stated.
More Articles from SCMP
The article was first published on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), a top-tier news outlet covering developments in China and Asia.
© 2026. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.