‘Pew Pew’: The Chinese Companies Marketing Anti-Drone Weapons on TikTok
Wired
by Louise Matsakis, Caroline HaskinsFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Chinese companies are using TikTok to market anti-drone weapons with a consumer-friendly approach, blending military hardware sales with lifestyle advertising. Videos featuring products like signal-blocking devices and jamming guns showcase these tools in a casual tone, targeting global buyers including those involved in modern conflicts such as Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The rise of the "drone economy" has turned TikTok into an unexpected showroom for anti-drone technology. Chinese manufacturers are openly selling military-grade equipment, including jammers and sensors, to meet demand from conflict zones. These products often come with captions in multiple languages, reflecting their global appeal.
Despite China’s export restrictions on dual-use technologies, drone components from Chinese factories remain critical to both Russia and Ukraine. This reliance highlights the complex interplay between global supply chains and modern warfare. The use of TikTok for such sales underscores how tech innovation is merging with battlefield needs, raising ethical concerns about the spread of military technology through consumer platforms.
Verticals
techscience
Originally published on Wired on 2/19/2026