China has increased its research in drone technology and is in the process of building armed, jet-propelled unmanned planes with plans to sell to countries like Pakistan.

The Washington Post quoted Chinese analysts as saying, “No country has ramped up its research in recent years faster than China … but now every major manufacturer for the Chinese military has a research centre devoted to drones.”

The large number of drones displayed at the recent exhibitions underlines China’s determination and desire to sell the technology in the international market.

The Chengdu Aircraft Design and Research Institute representative Zhang Qiaoliang said, “The United States doesn’t export many attack drones, so we’re taking advantage of that hole in the market.”

Zhang also added that the company anticipated sales in Pakistan, the Middle East and African nations.

Pakistan had earlier purchased one surveillance drone from China and has plans to acquire additional armed drones.