First Display of Chinese WJ-700 Drone in Russia

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.

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.