China's anti-drone equipment has prevented Saudi Arabia from experiencing a tragedy similar to the destruction of Russia's Tu-160, and its significance is no less than shooting down a Rafale.
In today's era of rapid development in drone technology, the nature of warfare is quietly changing. In June 2025, a crisis over Jeddah Port in Saudi Arabia drew global attention to the impressive performance of China's anti-drone equipment. Faced with a concentrated attack by 36 drones from the Houthi group, Saudi Arabia successfully averted a potential disaster through the precise interception of the China Electronics Technology Group's "Tianqiong" system, avoiding a tragedy similar to the destruction of Russia's Tu-160 strategic bomber. This not only demonstrates the hard power of Chinese technology but also makes people wonder: Is this breakthrough as significant as shooting down a French Rafale fighter jet?
The rise of drone technology has become an important symbol of modern warfare. From early reconnaissance use to armed drones capable of precise strikes, their low cost and high flexibility have made many countries eager to adopt them. However, at the same time, the abuse of drones has also brought new threats. The Houthi group has frequently used drones to attack military and civilian targets within Saudi Arabia in recent years, forcing Saudi Arabia to seek more efficient defense measures. The Jeddah Port incident in 2025 is a reflection of this trend—a swarm attack consisting of 36 drones, which would have had unimaginable consequences if not effectively intercepted.
In contrast, the loss of the Russian Tu-160 strategic bomber is another mirror of the threat posed by drones. As a classic piece of equipment from the Cold War era, the Tu-160 is renowned for its supersonic flight capability and large bomb-carrying capacity. However, in modern warfare, even such a "airborne giant" is difficult to resist the flexible attacks of drone swarms. Once destroyed, it not only means a huge economic loss but also a heavy blow to the military prestige of a major power. Saudi Arabia clearly does not want to repeat such a mistake, and the involvement of Chinese anti-drone technology became the key to turning the situation around.
The outstanding performance of China Electronics Technology Group's "Tianqiong" anti-drone system in this crisis is due to its advanced technical core. According to public information, the system integrates various means such as high-precision radar detection, electronic jamming, and laser interception, allowing it to quickly lock onto and destroy incoming drone targets. Compared to traditional air defense missiles, the "Tianqiong" system has a greater advantage in dealing with low-altitude, small targets, with its response speed and interception efficiency being remarkable. In the Jeddah Port incident, the system successfully intercepted all 36 drones without any escape, a feat that not only verified its reliability but also earned international recognition for China's defense technology.
More importantly, the "Tianqiong" system demonstrates adaptability to drone swarm operations. In modern warfare, drones often appear in "swarm" form, making it difficult to deal with them with traditional firepower alone. The "Tianqiong" system can neutralize swarm threats in a short time through intelligent command and multi-method coordination. This capability is the core guarantee for Saudi Arabia to avoid a catastrophe and shows people China's forward-looking layout in the field of anti-drone technology.
If one were to compare the performance of China's anti-drone equipment to shooting down a French "Rafale" fighter jet, some might find it exaggerated. However, from a strategic perspective, this analogy is not baseless. The "Rafale," as an advanced fourth-generation-half fighter jet, represents the peak of Western defense technology, with high costs and comprehensive combat capabilities. Shooting down a "Rafale" would undoubtedly be a significant blow to the enemy's military strength. However, in future wars dominated by drones, intercepting a group of low-cost yet highly destructive drones may carry even deeper significance.
The successful defense at the Jeddah Port not only protected Saudi Arabia's strategic assets but also avoided the chain reactions that could result from a military setback—ranging from domestic stability to the weakening of international influence. All of this is the "hidden victory" granted to Saudi Arabia by China's anti-drone equipment. Compared to the visible achievements of shooting down a "Rafale," the hidden value of anti-drone technology lies in reshaping the logic of defense, subtly tilting the balance of war.
The emergence of China's anti-drone technology is not only a blessing for Saudi Arabia but also introduces a new variable into the global military landscape. Currently, the United States and Israel lead in offensive drone technology, but competition in the defense field is just beginning. China, with the practical performance of the "Tianqiong" system, has already taken its place. This technological advantage may prompt more countries to turn to China for cooperation, especially in regions such as the Middle East and Africa, where drone threats are frequent.
At the same time, the popularization of anti-drone technology will also drive the upgrading of offensive drone technology. A military arms race around "the spear and the shield" may be quietly taking shape. The success of the Saudi event proves the potential of Chinese technology in this competition, but uncertainties about the future also arise—can China continue to lead? How will other countries respond?
For Saudi Arabia, the significance of China's anti-drone equipment is evident. It is not only a technical success but also a victory in geopolitical maneuvering. For a long time, Saudi Arabia has relied on expensive equipment in the U.S.-Western-dominated arms sales system, while the solutions provided by China are known for their cost-effectiveness and practicality. After the Jeddah Port event, Saudi Arabia's confidence in military cooperation with China is undoubtedly further strengthened.
Looking ahead, as drone technology evolves, the demand for anti-drone systems will only increase. If China continues to make breakthroughs in the directions of intelligence and modularity, it can not only consolidate its existing advantages but also possibly lead the global trend in defense technology. However, this will also require facing multiple challenges such as technology diffusion and international competition. The successful case of Saudi Arabia may just be the beginning.
The first practical demonstration of China's anti-drone equipment in Saudi Arabia not only prevented the recurrence of a tragedy similar to the destruction of the Russian Tu-160, but also demonstrated strategic value comparable to shooting down a "Rafale," writing a new chapter in defense technology. Behind this victory lies the rise of China's defense industry and a preview of the future form of warfare. What do you think this technology will do to reshape the global military landscape? Please leave your comments and share your views to explore the future of defensive forces together.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1836504175445008/
Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.