A commentary published by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Daily argues that the PLA should modernize its long-standing “Three Attacks, Three Defenses” (三打三防) training doctrine to address the growing role of unmanned systems in modern warfare. The article contends that as drones increasingly reshape the battlefield, counter-drone operations should become a core component of military training to enhance combat effectiveness and battlefield survivability.
The proposed “Three Attacks” focus on targeting small drones, large unmanned platforms, and the command-and-control nodes that support drone operations. The article calls for improving troops’ ability to detect, track, and engage low, slow, and small aerial targets, while also developing capabilities to disrupt and destroy larger unmanned platforms and the networks that enable coordinated drone operations.
The corresponding “Three Defenses” emphasize countering drone reconnaissance, defending against mass drone swarm attacks, and protecting critical assets from precision strikes by loitering munitions and other unmanned weapons. The article advocates strengthening low-altitude surveillance, electronic warfare, camouflage and deception, rapid battlefield maneuver, and integrated air defense capabilities to improve the PLA’s resilience against evolving drone threats.
Source: People’s Daily, July 16, 2026
http://military.people.com.cn/n1/2026/0716/c1011-40761831.html