China is rapidly escalating its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities in the defense sector, with state-owned defense conglomerate Norinco unveiling a new autonomous combat-support vehicle powered by DeepSeek, the country’s flagship AI model. Capable of operating at speeds up to 50 km/h, the vehicle underscores Beijing’s growing ambition to narrow the technological gap with the United States through AI-driven military modernization and self-reliant innovation.
According to a Reuters investigation analyzing hundreds of patents, tenders, and research papers, China has embarked on a coordinated national effort to embed DeepSeek into a range of next-generation weapon systems. These include autonomous drones, robot dogs, and AI-enabled battlefield decision platforms, marking a significant step toward the development of intelligent, networked warfare systems.
Researchers from institutions such as Beihang University and Xi’an Technological University are reportedly utilizing DeepSeek for real-time target recognition and scenario-based combat simulations, reducing military planning and response times from hours to mere seconds. This capability, experts say, could transform command-and-control operations by allowing Chinese forces to act faster and with greater precision during complex missions.
While U.S. export restrictions continue to block China’s access to Nvidia’s high-end A100 and H100 AI chips, Chinese defense-linked organizations have pivoted to Huawei’s domestically developed Ascend processors to sustain their AI momentum. This reliance on homegrown hardware highlights Beijing’s strategic pursuit of algorithmic sovereignty, insulating its defense AI programs from Western sanctions and ensuring continued technological progress.
Norinco’s unveiling of the DeepSeek-powered combat vehicle also aligns with China’s broader defense modernization agenda under President Xi Jinping, which emphasizes smart warfare and autonomous systems as central to future combat readiness. Analysts note that integrating AI into defense infrastructure not only enhances operational efficiency but also supports China’s long-term goal of establishing a fully digitized, intelligent military ecosystem by the early 2030s.
As China deepens AI integration across its defense architecture, global military dynamics are shifting toward a more competitive phase. With AI becoming a decisive factor in strategic dominance, Beijing’s advancements — despite ongoing technological sanctions — signal the emergence of a new frontier in autonomous warfare and AI-powered defense innovation, where speed, adaptability, and algorithmic intelligence redefine the balance of power.
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