They’re more flying rats than desert rats but it has emerged China’s army is training 10,000 messenger pigeons to serve in the event of a breakdown in mass communication systems.

The 10,000 strong ‘pigeon army’ in China will deliver important message if communications systems break down

China Central Television (CCTV) announced that the mass feathered recruitment drive was being undertaken by the People’s Liberation Army.

Training for the flock is believed to be under way in a central Chinese city. The bird army could be called to arms in the event of a mass breakdown in communication systems, helping to deliver vital messages.

The winged soldiers will also be dispatched on military missions between border forces.




CCTV’s air force expert Chen Hong said: ‘In modern warfare, the pigeon is indispensable.’

Chen Chuntao, the officer in charge of the pigeon force, stated that the birds were the ‘most practical and effective short and medium distance tool for communications if there is electromagnetic interference or a collapse in our signals.’

Pigeons have been serving in China’s army since the 1950s with units being usually no bigger than a couple of hundred birds.