First Display of Chinese WJ-700 Drone in Russia

Beijing also showcased CH-4 and CH-5H drones at the Army-2024 Forum in Russia
  • Aishwarya Rakesh
  • 06:19 AM, August 18, 2024
  • 2406
First Display of Chinese WJ-700 Drone in Russia
WJ-700 UAV at International Military-Technical Forum "Army-2024" @Defense Mirror

China showcased the WJ-700, its high-altitude, high-speed, and long-endurance armed reconnaissance UAV system, at the ARMY-2024 Forum in Russia, marking the first time the WJ-700 has been displayed in Russia.

The WJ-700, developed by the No. 3 Research Institute under the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), belongs to the high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) class of UAVs. First unveiled at the Zhuhai Airshow in 2018, the WJ-700 has since undergone upgrades that were showcased at Airshow China in 2022. These enhancements have boosted the drone's capabilities, making it more flexible and intelligent. Key features include one-button self-detection, autonomous flight capabilities, and automated take-off and landing, all of which improve the system's reliability and reduce the demands on flight and ground crews.

The upgraded WJ-700 can be outfitted with a variety of advanced weapons and surveillance systems, including missiles, electro-optical equipment, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and electronic detection radar. These enhancements make it a formidable reconnaissance platform, offering improved efficiency compared to medium long-endurance UAVs. The drone's high-altitude and high-speed flight capabilities allow it to quickly reach mission areas and execute precise strike operations. It can release weapons from a range of 50-80 kilometers, allowing it to strike key enemy targets such as missile sites and command posts from a safe distance.

First Display of Chinese WJ-700 Drone in Russia
CH-5H drone at International Military-Technical Forum "Army-2024" @Defense Mirror

In addition to the WJ-700, other Chinese drones, such as the CH-4 and CH-5H, were also on display at the ARMY-2024 Forum. The CH-4, available in both reconnaissance and mixed attack configurations, is known for its range and endurance, as well as its ability to launch air-to-ground missiles from an altitude that keeps it out of reach of most anti-aircraft defenses.

The CH-5H drone, unveiled at Airshow China 2022 in Zhuhai, is an upgraded version of the CH-5, developed by Chengdu Aerospace Corporation. Chinese officials boast that it offers comparable performance to the U.S. MQ-9 Reaper, but at a lower price point, roughly half the cost. Both the CH-5, introduced in 2015, and the CH-5H, introduced in 2020, are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) designed for reconnaissance, surveillance, and strike missions.

The key specifications of these drones highlight their capabilities. The CH-5 has a cruise speed of 150-200 km/h, an endurance of 24 hours, a payload capacity of 300 kg, a range of 3,000 km, and can reach an altitude of 18,000 meters. In contrast, the CH-5H offers improved performance with a cruise speed of 200-250 km/h, an endurance of 30 hours, a payload capacity of 400 kg, a range of 4,000 km, and can reach an altitude of 20,000 meters. Additionally, the CH-5H features upgraded sensors and payloads, enhancing its reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities, particularly in maritime environments.

The CH-5H also boasts improved aerodynamics, allowing for longer hovering times, and is equipped with an upgraded heavy oil piston engine. Its operational radius is 250 km.

First Display of Chinese WJ-700 Drone in Russia
CH-4 drone at International Military-Technical Forum "Army-2024" @Defense Mirror

Does China supply drones to Russia?

The significance of these UAVs extends beyond the exhibition. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has underscored the critical role of drones in modern warfare, with both sides increasingly relying on unmanned platforms, many of which originate from China. While countries like Iran and Turkey supply military-grade drones to the conflict, China's role in providing consumer drones has been pivotal. Despite claiming neutrality in the conflict, China has faced accusations from Western officials of supplying equipment to Russian forces.

In July 2024, reports surfaced that Chinese and Russian companies were collaborating on an attack drone modeled on the Iranian-made Shahed, a development linked to the war in Ukraine. This follows China's imposition of strict export controls on UAVs in September 2023, which disrupted the supply chain to Russia and led to shortages of certain UAVs and components, including those not directly subject to restrictions.

China has maintained that it does not supply weapons to either side in the Ukraine conflict. Liu Pengyu, a spokesman for China's embassy in the U.S., reiterated this stance, emphasizing that China controls the export of dual-use goods and urging the international community to focus on dialogue and peace rather than fueling the conflict.

Also Read

Iran Could Offer Mohajer-10 Long Range Attack Drone to Russia

August 15, 2024 @ 05:02 AM

Russia Developing Vertical Take-off-Landing Fighter Jet Based on Yak Aircraft Platform

August 14, 2024 @ 05:51 AM

Kalashnikov Unveils SKAT-350 Reconnaissance Drone at ARMY-2024

August 12, 2024 @ 07:32 PM

Sovelmash Unveils Heavy Quadcopter with Induction Motors at Army-2024

August 9, 2024 @ 11:10 AM
FEATURES/INTERVIEWS
© 2024 DefenseMirror.com - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED