China's Microwave Technology Enables In-Flight Drone Charging

• •China's microwave beam technology allows drones to be charged in flight, extending operational time.
• •The system can sustain drones for up to 3.1 hours at an altitude of 49 feet.
• •This advancement could reshape military drone capabilities and reduce reliance on large batteries.

A Chinese research team has successfully tested a microwave beam system that wirelessly recharges drones in flight. This technology, likened to a 'land-based aircraft carrier', allows drones to operate continuously without landing for battery recharges. The tests demonstrated the ability to keep fixed-wing drones airborne for up to 3.1 hours at an altitude of 49 feet. The project, led by Song Liwei from Xidian University, overcame challenges in maintaining alignment between the drone and the microwave emitter using GPS and real-time tracking. This advancement could significantly enhance military drone operations, enabling persistent surveillance and electronic warfare. The findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Aeronautical Science & Technology on March 25, 2026. The implications of this technology extend to reducing the size of onboard batteries, allowing for heavier payloads and more complex missions. The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is also exploring similar wireless energy transfer technologies.