Beijing, Aug 19 (IANS): China is planning to use artificial intelligence (AI) technology to build the next generation cruise missiles that will be tailor-made for specific combat situations, media reported on Friday.

The multi-functional missiles will aid to future combat missions that will require weapons to be both cost-efficient and flexible. 

“We plan to adopt a 'plug and play' approach in the development of new cruise missiles, which will enable our military commanders to tailor-make missiles in accordance with combat conditions and their specific requirements,” Wang Changqing of the China Aerospace and Industry Corp told China Daily newspaper. 

Changqing added that for future combat, modular design based on AI will be a good solution.

"Our future cruise missiles will have a very high level of artificial intelligence and automation," he was quoted as saying. 

The modular missile will be able to change its destructive capacity, flight mode and range.

"They will allow commanders to control them in a real-time manner, or to use a fire-and-forget mode, or even to add more tasks to in-flight missiles,” Changqing noted. 

Chinese engineers have been on the job for several years to use artificial intelligence in missiles.