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China Tests Military Drone For Cloud-Seeding In Xinjiang

Image by Albin Marciniak, from Adobe Stock

China Tests Military Drone For Cloud-Seeding In Xinjiang

Reading time: 2 min

Posted on Aug 9, 2024

Written by: Kiara Fabbri Multimedia Journalist
Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Lead Cybersecurity Editor

The South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on August 7 that China has launched a cloud-seeding trial in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region using a long-endurance drone, marking the first deployment of this technology in the arid western region. The trial, which began on Sunday, employs the TB-A strike and reconnaissance drone, also known as the Twin-tailed Scorpion A.

The TB-A drone, typically used for military operations, has been adapted for this trial by loading it with silver iodide rods, a common rain-inducing agent. This 45-day trial is focused on the Dongtian mountain area, one of the most water-scarce regions in China. The goal is to test the drone’s cloud-seeding capabilities in high-altitude, drought-prone areas, according to the SCMP.

The TB-A, developed by civilian company Sichuan Tengden, is an advanced version of the TB-001 combat drone. The drone’s capabilities include carrying 24 silver iodide rods and 200 smoke grenades, as well as equipment for cloud particle detection and wind radar, as reported by The SCMP.

This trial is not the first instance of the TB-A being used for weather modification. The drone was previously employed in Sichuan during the summer of 2022 amid a severe heatwave and in Yunnan for drought relief in October of the same year. Despite its advancements, cloud-seeding remains a controversial practice due to concerns about its effectiveness and potential environmental impacts.

The use of the TB-A drone in Xinjiang reflects China’s ongoing efforts to address climate challenges through technological innovation, even as the efficacy and environmental consequences of cloud-seeding continue to spark debate.

Kiara Fabbri

Written by: Kiara Fabbri

Hi, I’m Kiara Fabbri a Tech News Writer at WizCase. I'm a multimedia journalist with a keen interest in innovative and immersive news storytelling. Fluent in three languages—Italian, English, and Spanish—I'm deeply engaged in all facets of news reporting. I am currently undertaking a Ph.D. exploring VR applications in journalism. Following my studies in psychology (BSc) and political psychology (MSc), I embarked on a three-year journey across South America. During this time, I undertook a 4000 km solo bicycle trip from Chile to Brazil. There, I camped, cooked on the road, and volunteered in various facilities. It was during these travels that I discovered my passion for journalism. Subsequently, I pursued a Master's program in journalism innovation and enterprise. My career in journalism has seen me produce VR immersive experiences covering a range of topics. These include documenting an Anti Militaristic raid of a NATO Base, life in the Brazilian Favelas, the recent violent protest clashes in Buenos Aires and finally social projects run by Skaters in the Argentinian ghettos. In addition to my journalistic endeavours, I also practice parkour, a discipline I have cultivated over several years now. I love to make the most of this skill in my journalistic style; for example, it has enabled me to capture dynamic footage from heights during the recent violent clashes in Buenos Aires. There, I scaled heights and employed a long stick on my camera to create aerial 360° views. Through my dedication to pushing the boundaries of journalism, I am committed to amplifying voices, sparking meaningful conversations, and driving positive change in the world.

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