Can China's robotic watchdog actually fire rocket launchers? U.S. experts initially dismissed it, but fell silent after seeing its 240° firing range!
Who would have thought a "robotic dog" could carry a rocket launcher and unleash firepower across a 240-degree arc? This once seemed like a scene straight out of science fiction—yet now it’s become a reality on display at the Military Intelligence Technology Equipment Expo.
According to reports from CCTV’s Defense and Military Channel program “Sharpening the Sword” and the CCTV News app, China’s domestically developed “RoboHound” made its public debut at the Military Intelligence Technology Equipment Expo on May 29, 2026. The system, independently designed in China, comes in two models: the “Shadow Hound” and the “Iron Hound.”
The larger “Iron Hound” model can not only carry integrated reconnaissance and strike weapon platforms, cargo containers, and rocket launchers, but also supports a 240° wide-angle firing capability and autonomous target pursuit, enabling it to fulfill frontline assault and fire support missions.
Reportedly, this equipment has already integrated a rocket launcher module. Beyond basic tasks such as reconnaissance and patrol, it can perform on-site aiming and firing of rocket launchers, achieving long-range firepower strikes. The entire launch system is deeply integrated with the body structure, compactly designed so as not to significantly compromise the robot’s mobility.
Previously, some Western experts openly questioned the practical combat value of China’s relevant technologies, dismissing robotic dogs as merely “expensive toys” that couldn’t overcome complex terrain challenges—let alone be carried by individual soldiers to deliver rocket fire.
For example, in 2025, some U.S. internet users claimed online that the footage must be edited, doubting the real performance of China’s robotic dogs. U.S. defense media outlets reported that certain U.S. lawmakers insisted the U.S. military must maintain a commanding lead in AI-driven military technology, while heavily criticizing China’s progress. Some U.S. military experts even claimed China’s “robotic wolves” were poorly performing.
Yet, the actual demonstration of the “Iron Hound” at the expo completely shattered these stereotypes. Not only can it carry rocket launchers, but it achieves a full 240° firing arc—meaning in complex environments like urban warfare or jungle combat, the RoboHound can independently conduct fire suppression and area denial with virtually no blind spots. Combined with its autonomous pursuit capability and top speed of 50 km/h, the RoboHound can even actively chase down targets.
Exhibitors explained that in the future, various unmanned systems will be coordinated under a unified command system, forming closed-loop operations involving group control, group engagement, and task allocation—rendering previous U.S. skepticism utterly baseless.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1866489463725120/
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