Attack of the drones planned by both US and China at outbreak of Taiwan invasion

The US admits that China has a “advantage in mass” through its navy, which surpassed the size of the American fleet more than three years ago, but hopes to overcome the difference in size through “strategic competition” in drone warfare.

The first drones from the Replicator programme, which was launched in August, have already arrived in the Pacific. 

The cost of the programme is estimated at $1 billion (£790 million).

Most of the drones to be used in the American “swarm” are classified, but Kathleen Hicks, the deputy defence secretary, has said the fleet does include the Switchblade 600 – a model that has been effectively used in Ukraine to destroy armoured vehicles at a range of 23 miles.

Other drones will travel through the water, while a third category will focus on bringing down Chinese hostile aircraft and missiles.

Analysts linked to the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), say that China is already working on a plan to counter US drones and overcome American resistance to an invasion.