Meet China’s ‘Robot Wolves’: Will the four-legged combat drones replace soldiers on the battlefield?

China used its recent Victory Day parade in Beijing to show off a new wave of advanced weapons and systems. Among the most eye-catching were four-legged ground robots known as “robot wolves”. These machines attracted global attention because they represent a leap forward in how the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) could fight future wars. Designed to work with human soldiers or operate on their own, the robots are part of a wider modernisation drive that also includes new missiles and drones. Later in the parade, China also unveiled the JL-1 air-launched ballistic missile, boosting its nuclear capabilities.

What the Robot Wolves are

The robot wolves are four-legged unmanned ground vehicles built by China South Industries Group Corporation. Each weighs about 70 kilograms and is designed to handle several combat roles. They can carry weapons, transport ammunition or supplies, scout enemy positions, and support troops directly. Their design allows them to climb stairs, cross rough terrain, and move with infantry soldiers during operations. Footage from demonstrations showed the robots advancing through smoke-filled areas, carrying rifles mounted on their backs, and firing at simulated targets from up to 100 metres away.

Why they are called wolves

Earlier versions were called robotic dogs and were mainly used for surveillance or carrying gear. The new machines are more aggressive and flexible. They are described as wolves because they can be deployed in groups where each robot has a specific role. Some act as scouts collecting data, others carry supplies, and some engage in direct combat. This “pack” approach makes them more effective in complex battlefields like cities, mountains, or fortified positions. It also mirrors the PLA’s goal of blending manned and unmanned units into one coordinated force.

How they work with PLA troops

A recent large-scale exercise by the PLA’s 76th Group Army tested the robots in hilly terrain with live troops. The robots moved in formation with infantry armed with rifles and rocket launchers. Some carried weapons for direct fire support while others hauled supplies. Aerial drones operated alongside them to provide reconnaissance and simulated kamikaze attacks. This showed how the PLA could use robot wolves to reduce risks to soldiers and keep up the pace of an attack. They can also clear mines, scout ahead, or maintain pressure on enemy positions.

Why the Robot Wolves matter

These machines could change how the PLA fights in dangerous environments. Sending robots ahead of troops reduces casualties. Using groups of networked robots and drones increases situational awareness and coordination. Analysts also point to the psychological effect of machine opponents that keep advancing even when damaged. Ground robots can operate for longer and carry more than small aerial drones, making them useful for sustained fighting. Their arrival signals China’s push to use robotics and artificial intelligence to gain a military edge over rivals.

China’s broader message and the JL-1 missile

The unveiling of robot wolves fits a larger pattern. China is investing heavily in high-tech weapons to signal its rising military power. During the same parade, the PLA also presented the JL-1 air-launched ballistic missile. This nuclear-capable missile can be fired from the H-6N bomber at targets 3,000 to 4,000 kilometres away without the bomber entering hostile airspace. It strengthens China’s ability to launch nuclear strikes from land, sea, and air, joining the United States and Russia as the only nations with a full nuclear triad. Together, the robot wolves and the JL-1 missile show how China is combining futuristic tactics with strategic firepower.