Story perspectives

China Advocates Low-Cost Munitions for Drone Warfare Strategy

1/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

A Chinese military magazine argues that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) should adopt the United States (U.S.) strategy of investing in low-cost guided munitions to prepare for drone warfare.
In 2023, the United States spent $1 billion on expensive missiles while facing low-cost attacks from the Houthis.
The article argues the PLA could benefit from affordable munitions to engage in large-scale attrition warfare against weaker opponents and stronger adversaries.

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Story summary

A Chinese military magazine argues that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) should adopt the United States (U.S.) strategy of investing in low-cost guided munitions to prepare for drone warfare.
In 2023, the United States spent $1 billion on expensive missiles while facing low-cost attacks from the Houthis.
The article argues the PLA could benefit from affordable munitions to engage in large-scale attrition warfare against weaker opponents and stronger adversaries.