China has revealed it is testing unmanned tanks that can potentially feature artificial intelligence-based systems, as the country looks to revolutionise its armed forces.

The Chinese state broadcaster CCTV revealed a brief clip of an ageing Type-59 tank fitted with new remote control technology and seemingly being driven by a soldier sitting at a nearby control deck.

State media said the Chinese military was investigating how to network the tanks to aircraft and satellites to work in a quicker and more lethal way than human driven versions.

Defence experts said the attempt appeared to be the latest foray into unmanned technology as part of a major overhaul of the People’s Liberation Army.

The four-man Type-59 tanks were once a mainstay of the Chinese forces, but are soon to be retired.