New Chinese spy drone ‘will make combat scenes in the movies a reality’, state media claims

The WJ-700 completed its first flight in January and its ability to work with other drones has been highlighted on state television

It’s seen as a key part of the PLA’s ambitious ‘unmanned combat system’ and the chief designer says its high flight ceiling will be an advantage

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The WJ-700, or Falcon, armed reconnaissance drone has a high flight ceiling and long endurance. Photo: Weibo

Published: 9:00pm, 12 Oct 2021

Chinese state television has highlighted a new armed spy drone, with one report saying it will be able to work with other unmanned aircraft to carry out reconnaissance and strike operations.

The WJ-700 – which completed its first flight in January – is seen as a key part of the Chinese military’s ambitious “unmanned combat system”, though analysts say technical challenges remain.

Its use as an unmanned war drone – operating either on its own or as part of an “integrated unit” with other drones – was featured in a report on state broadcaster CCTV’s military channel on Monday.

The report claimed this “will make the combat formation scenes in the movies a reality”.

It followed a CCTV report on October 3 that also played up the future use of the Falcon, as it is known, to carry out strike operations based on its own information and that received from other drones.

The Falcon is a high-altitude drone – it can fly at up to 15,000 metres (49,200ft) – it has an endurance of 20 hours, and can reach a cruising speed of 600km/h.