China Secretly Building Airship Army with New Surveillance

China’s plans to reintroduce giant airships, a technology popular in the early 1900s, are raising concerns among experts who fear these vessels might be used for military purposes rather than just tourism.

Xi's audacious bid to take over the world could have a surprise new weapon — Xi’s audacious bid to take over the world could have a surprise new weapon Credit: AP

The country is preparing to launch these airships as early as 2025, with some companies already promoting them as a new way for tourists to experience “walking in the clouds.”

Despite the tourist-friendly façade, experts are sceptical about China’s intentions. Professor Ashok Swain, an academic specialising in international relations, warned that the airships might not be solely intended for recreational use. Swain pointed out that China’s military expenditures often hide a range of defence activities that are not fully transparent.

This airship, dubbed 'Xiangyun', was seen flying 1,600ft over the central province of Hubei for two hours earlier this year — This airship, dubbed ‘Xiangyun’, was seen flying 1,600ft over the central province of Hubei for two hours earlier this year Credit: Alamy

Recent satellite imagery has revealed large hangars in northwest China housing these massive airships. Swain believes these airships could be part of a broader strategy to enhance China’s global surveillance and military reach. He highlighted that under President Xi Jinping, China’s leadership appears to be focused on expanding its military capabilities beyond its immediate geographic area.

A satellite image of an alleged airship on a runway in China's northeastern desert — A satellite image of an alleged airship on a runway in China’s northeastern desert

Swain argued that the international community might be underestimating Xi’s broader ambitions by concentrating primarily on the situation in Taiwan. He suggested that the revival of airships is part of China’s long-term plan to establish itself as a significant global military power.

In March, China’s Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC) successfully conducted a test flight of the AS700 airship named “Xiangyun.” This airship was seen flying over the central province of Hubei, raising questions about whether the airships are genuinely intended for tourist activities.

China is testing their huge AS700 manned airship, claiming they hope to use for it tourism Credit: Alamy

Jamey Jacob, director of the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute, supported the concern that the airships could have dual uses. While the airships are marketed as tourist attractions, Jacob noted that China’s history with military innovations suggests that these developments could also serve undisclosed military purposes.

Along with being used for surveillance there are fears they could carry Xi's troops into battle — Along with being used for surveillance there are fears they could carry Xi’s troops into battle Credit: Getty

Military aircraft fly over Taiwan Credit: Rex

The CCP continues to expand its army's military capabilities, say experts — The CCP continues to expand its army’s military capabilities, say experts Credit: Getty

Chinese troops may soon be carried in huge airships, it's feared — Chinese troops may soon be carried in huge airships, it’s feared Credit: AFP

One of the reasons why airships went out of fashion was due to the tragic Hindenburg disaster that killed 36 people Credit: Hulton Archive – Getty

President Xi has his eye on far more than Taiwan Credit: Alamy

Airships were employed in World War I for bombing and reconnaissance missions. This historical context adds to the concern that modern airships might be repurposed for similar strategic roles.