China unveils its robotic dogs of war in Cambodia

The Chinese machine gun wielding robodogs have taken the center stage during the largest-ever military drills between China and Cambodia. The 15-day ‘Golden Dragon’ military exercise kicked off on May 16th and involves over 2,000 troops, 14 warships, two helicopters, 69 armored vehicles and tanks as well as China’s latest military addition – ‘dogs of war’. Although handlers have kept them on the leash and demonstrated only their walking capabilities, these four-legged, remote-controlled drone soldiers with automatic rifles mounted on their backs are designed for a much broader use such as precision shooting, reconnaissance, surveillance, and remote engagement. In his opening speech, Cambodian armed forces commander-in-chief Vong Pisen said that the robotic war dogs would ‘enhance the capabilities’ of the two armies in the fight against terrorism.