China Targets Middle-East, African Nations For Drone Sales

China is targeting Middle-East and African countries to win export contracts for its unmanned air vehicles (UAVs).

Nanyang Technology is acquiring the Caihong (Rainbow) series of UAVs from China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). The company will also gain rights to build two types of air-to-ground missiles, Forecast International reported Wednesday.

Many of these countries have been refused UAVs from the United States. Chinese UAVs are already active in Iraq, Yemen and Nigeria. 

The CH-4 is remarkably similar in appearance to General Atomics' MQ-9 Reaper UAV. 

CASC said there are currently 10-20 users. The company says it sells primarily to poor and middle-income developing countries. U.S.-made UAVs are subject to strict export controls, but Chinese systems are not. 

Customers for Chinese-made UAVs include Egypt, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Iraq.