China has tested a hybrid engine for drones.

China has tested a hybrid engine for drones.

China has tested a hybrid power system for stealth combat drones. This 60-kilowatt unit allows small drones to switch between fuel and electric power, helping extend their range while reducing noise and thermal signature.

According to the state-run TV channel CCTV-7, flight tests of the hybrid system were conducted in December. The system combines fuel-based and electric propulsion. During flight, drones can generate electricity from fuel and switch to a quiet electric mode for stealth missions.

These tests are part of a broader drone development program that also includes AI-controlled swarm systems and modified J-6 fighter jets deployed near the Taiwan Strait.