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China’s military
ChinaMilitary

China to unveil new reconnaissance and attack drones at air show

  • WZ-7 high-altitude drone and CH-6 electronic attack vehicle will go on display at the event in Zhuhai, which opens on Tuesday
  • They are expected to boost the Chinese air force’s strike ability and defensive tactics, especially in the South China Sea

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The WZ-7 is a high-altitude drone that could be used for missions like border reconnaissance and maritime patrols. Photo: Weibo
Kristin Huang
China will unveil two new drones at the country’s biggest air show that are expected to be used to boost reconnaissance and carry out more precise attacks on military targets.
The WZ-7 high-altitude reconnaissance drone and the CH-6 electronic attack vehicle will go on display at the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in the southern city of Zhuhai, which opens on Tuesday. Also known as Airshow China or the Zhuhai Airshow, the biennial event – showcasing the military hardware of some of the world’s largest arms manufacturers – will run until Sunday. It was postponed last year because of the pandemic.
China is the world’s largest manufacturer and developer of drones for both civilian and military purposes. The new drones are making their debut a month after three People’s Liberation Army drones were seen near Japan, prompting Tokyo to scramble fighter jets to intercept them.
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“Drones such as the CH-6 and WZ-7 represent an improvement in the [PLA Air Force’s] ability to conduct more precise surgical strikes on targets that were previously unreachable given its lack of ‘eyes in the skies’,” said Ridzwan Rahmat, principal defence analyst at Jane’s.

The WZ-7, dubbed Guizhou Soar Dragon, has an unusual tandem, joined-wing design and could be used for missions like border reconnaissance and maritime patrols. Built by the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China, its 24-metre wingspan and 14-metre length make it one of the largest drones developed in the country.

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The CH-6 is expected to push the envelope in terms of attack range. Photo: Weibo
The CH-6 is expected to push the envelope in terms of attack range. Photo: Weibo

Aviation experts are also waiting for a glimpse of the newest in the Caihong series, the CH-6, which is expected to push the envelope in terms of attack range and was developed by state-run China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

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