China's Wing Loong-X drone on display with anti-submarine capabilities

China's Wing Loong-X drone, showcasing its full anti-submarine capabilities for the first time, is on exhibit at the ongoing Airshow China 2024 in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province. The drone has begun routine test flights, the Global Times learned from the aircraft's developer.

Built with fully independent intellectual property, the Wing Loong-X drone is a medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial system with long range, heavy payload capacity, and the ability to perform multiple tasks, said the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).

The Wing Loong-X incorporates the latest advancements in drone technology and inherits the Wing Loong drone series' mature technologies and combat experiences, and stands at the forefront of medium-altitude, long-endurance drones, according to AVIC.

At the Airshow China 2024, the Wing Loong-X is displayed with its full suite of anti-submarine capabilities, equipped with various payloads such as sonar buoy pods, torpedoes, air-to-air missiles, and anti-ship missiles, the Global Times noted at the event.

Chief designer Tang Yong told the Global Times at the airshow that the Wing Loong-X's advanced anti-submarine capabilities can provide key support to maritime security, as the drone can conduct missions such as reconnaissance and surveillance covering large maritime areas, comprehensive search and attack on submarines, long-range patrols and anti-submarine operations, and regular blockade and control in key areas.

The drone is designed for integration into combat systems to conduct collaborative missions with armed reconnaissance capabilities that not only cover land, but also air, surface, and underwater domains, Tang said.

In addition to anti-submarine missions, the drone can also perform other missions such as all-domain reconnaissance and strike, cross-domain support, and operations in contested environments, and emergency rescue operations, according to Tang.

Alongside the Wing Loong-X, a new addition to the Wing Loong series, is also on display at the Airshow China 2024.

The Wing Loong-6 is a multirole medium-altitude long-endurance drone developed to meet emerging global combat requirements, AVIC said. It features high cost-efficiency and ease of maintenance.

The Wing Loong-6 has also begun routine test flights, according to its developer.