On April 17, the sounds of simulated artillery fire and student cheers frequently echoed across the campus of the Sichuan Instrument Industry School in Chongqing. The 2026 China Amateur Radio Festival and National Defense Knowledge Promotion Event was in full swing here.

Themed “Wireless Low Altitude, Forging a Shield for National Defense,” the event aimed to promote patriotic spirit, popularize national defense knowledge, and advance the integrated development of radio technology and the low-altitude economy industry.

At the site, students queued up eagerly in the rocket launcher and mortar experience zones. “Target spotted 500 meters ahead, fire.” Under the guidance of staff, a student carefully slid a simulated shell into the mortar tube. With a muffled “bang,” the simulated shell exploded in the air. In the adjacent rocket launcher firing zone, with assistance from professionals, students shouldered the launcher, aimed, and fired. The simulated projectile traced an arc before detonating, drawing applause and cheers from the watching classmates.

Students experiencing shooting. Photo provided by the participating organization.

The national defense technology exhibition area was also bustling with activity. Cutting-edge technological achievements such as quantum communication were on display. Personnel from the radio monitoring station demonstrated how to capture elusive radio signals in the air using portable monitoring equipment, with students observing closely and asking questions. Equipment for drone applications, drone countermeasures, and radio communications from various companies was lined up, showcasing new technologies and equipment in the low-altitude economy sector, fostering lively on-site interaction.

This year marks the 86th anniversary of the establishment of China’s Amateur Radio Festival (also known as the “Double Five Festival”). Since the formation of the Amateur Radio Personnel Wartime Service Corps in 1937, the “Double Five Festival” has become a common commemoration day for radio enthusiasts nationwide, carrying forward both a patriotic tradition and the contemporary spirit of serving the nation through science and technology.

It was stated that radio waves and drone technology are crucial fields for cultivating new quality productive forces and strengthening national defense barriers. Efforts will continue to deepen the integration of industry and education to cultivate high-quality technical and skilled talent for Chongqing’s modern manufacturing and low-altitude economy development.

It was further noted that the event not only enhanced the national defense awareness and scientific literacy of young students but also increased public attention towards radio technology and the low-altitude economy industry. This has created a positive atmosphere for promoting the development of the low-altitude economy and strengthening the construction of national defense reserve forces.

Sichuan Instrument Industry School

The Sichuan Instrument Industry School, located in Chongqing (historically part of Sichuan), is a specialized vocational school established to support China’s industrial development. It was founded in the mid-20th century, during a period of significant state investment in technical education and the instrument manufacturing sector, to cultivate skilled technicians and engineers. Today, it continues to train professionals for the precision instrument and automation industries.

China Amateur Radio Festival

The China Amateur Radio Festival is an annual event that celebrates and promotes amateur radio culture in China, typically featuring exhibitions, equipment displays, and operator gatherings. Its history is tied to the growth of licensed ham radio enthusiasts in the country, serving as a key platform for community building, technological exchange, and emergency communication preparedness since such activities gained wider recognition in the late 20th century.

National Defense Knowledge Promotion Event

The “National Defense Knowledge Promotion Event” is a public education initiative, not a specific physical place or historical cultural site. It typically refers to organized activities, such as exhibitions or lectures, aimed at enhancing citizens’ understanding of national security and military affairs. These events are often held by government or military institutions to promote patriotism and awareness of contemporary defense policies.

Double Five Festival

The Double Five Festival, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. It commemorates the patriotic poet Qu Yuan from the ancient Chu kingdom, who drowned himself in protest around 278 BCE; the festival’s iconic dragon boat races and zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) are said to originate from attempts to rescue him or ward off fish from his body. Today, it is a vibrant cultural event emphasizing community, ancestral remembrance, and the dispelling of misfortune.

Amateur Radio Personnel Wartime Service Corps

The Amateur Radio Personnel Wartime Service Corps refers to organized groups of licensed amateur radio operators, notably in the United States during World War II, who volunteered their skills and equipment. These civilian volunteers were mobilized to provide critical backup communications, monitor for enemy transmissions, and help train military radio personnel, playing a significant role in the war effort. Their service helped solidify the enduring partnership between amateur radio enthusiasts and public service, especially during national emergencies.

radio monitoring station

A radio monitoring station is a facility designed to intercept, analyze, and record radio frequency transmissions for purposes such as intelligence gathering, regulatory enforcement, or scientific research. Historically, these stations became critical during the World Wars for signals intelligence (SIGINT) and electronic warfare, with famous examples like the British Bletchley Park. Today, they are used by governments, telecommunications authorities, and amateur radio operators to manage spectrum usage and ensure communication security.

quantum communication

Quantum communication is a cutting-edge field of technology that uses principles of quantum mechanics, like entanglement and superposition, to transmit information with theoretically unbreakable security. Its modern history began in the 1980s with the proposal of quantum cryptography (BB84 protocol), leading to the first real-world demonstrations in the 1990s and the launch of pioneering satellites like China’s Micius in 2016 for long-distance quantum key distribution. Today, it is a rapidly advancing area of research seen as foundational for the future of secure global networks and quantum computing.

low-altitude economy

“Low-altitude economy” refers to the emerging industry and economic activities centered around the use of airspace at altitudes typically below 1,000 meters, primarily involving drones and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. It has rapidly developed in the 21st century, driven by advancements in aviation technology, with China formally recognizing and promoting it as a strategic new industry around 2023. This sector encompasses applications like logistics, agriculture, tourism, and urban air mobility, representing a significant shift in transportation and commercial services.