What was shown
In Chinese social networks in December 2025, images of a mobile electromagnetic catapult for launching drones were published; the material was collected and published by Army Recognition. The photo shows a large trailer-mounted installation with multiple axles and a sectional rail, the length of which is estimated at approximately 60 meters. The system is powered by an electric motor and, according to reports, is capable of launching drones weighing up to 2 tons, accelerating them to about 50 m/s.
"The system was developed to launch drones without a runway, but it is not currently in service with the military."
— Army Recognition
Technical context
The key feature is mobility and the lack of need for a prepared runway. Unlike catapults at fixed bases, such a system can be moved and assembled on site: the photo shows the process of transport or assembly. Using an electric motor instead of hydraulics or pneumatics makes the system technically simpler to maintain and less conspicuous to technical detection means.
Why this matters for security
First, the ability to launch heavy drones outside of bases increases the resilience of strike groups: fewer vulnerable points, faster rotation of equipment, and more challenging enemy reconnaissance. Second, heavy drones weighing up to 2 tons can carry larger warheads, sensor systems, or fuel modules for longer endurance — this changes the nature of the threat. Third, mobile catapults complicate the task for air defence and detection systems, because launch positions can be dispersed and short-lived.
"This type of system increases the mobility of strike drones and makes detection of forward infrastructure more difficult."
— Defense analyst
What this means for Ukraine
Even if this particular system is not currently in service, the trend is clear: technologies for launching heavy drones without an airfield are developing. For Ukraine this is a signal to accelerate directions that are already important today — early detection systems, counter-UAV and electronic warfare — as well as operational intelligence to track movements of such equipment.
Brief conclusion
The appearance online of photos of a mobile EM catapult is a marker of technological development, not an immediate shift in the balance of power. However, it reinforces the need for appropriate countermeasures: from improving air defence and C-UAS to intelligence cooperation with partners. Declarations and demonstrations are one thing; the key question for practical security is how widely these systems will be deployed and who will gain access to them.
