UAV/UCAV III

  • Recent news indicated the Divine Dragon OTV (Project 921-706?) similar to American X-37B was launched vertically into the orbit using a CZ-2F rocket on September 4, 2020 and landed horizontally on September 6, 2020. The OTV was launched successfully into the space again on August 4, 2022 and returned to earth on May 8, 2023. Divine Dragon is thought to feature a pair solar panels attached to the booster stage in order to extend its orbit duration.
  • A recent satellite image (May 2025) suggested that an intercontinental HALE ISR UAV (WZ-X?) was being evaluated at a PLAAF test facility. WZ-X appears to feature a twin engine, flying wing design similar to that of American RQ-180 but larger. Its wing span is ~52m, length ~14m, range >20,000km. 
  • Another HALE UCAV (GJ-X?) with a cranked kite configuration was spotted by a satellite in August 2025 at a PLAAF test facility. It features a front dorsal air intake and twin (?) engine exhausts. Large internal weapon bays inside the mid-fuselage housing ALBMs (e.g. YJ-21) are speculated. GJ-X appears similar to the earlier CH-7 design but larger. Its wing span is ~42m and length is ~22m, a size comparable to American B-21. GJ-X could evolve into a long-range (>12,000km) conventional stealth bomber/strike aircraft capable of penetrating deep into the enemy airspace.
  • Recent videos and photos emerging between July and August 2025 suggested that multiple types of UCAV and collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) are either under development or in service with PLAAF. Controlled by remote workstations/onboard AI, these UCAVs and CCAs can fly alongside with manned aircraft to further enhance their combat effectiveness and survivability. Similar to GJ-11, the CCAs are also speculated to be able to fly in formations under the control of a J-20S airborne command post via network.
    1. Type A is thought to be a large supersonic UCAV or “unmanned air dominance fighter” optimized for air superiority. It features tailless lambda wings which may be partially foldable, all moving wingtips, two internal weapon bays on both sides, two caret engine intakes and a single WS-10C engine (14t class) without a TVC nozzle. The UCAV is thought to be capable of extreme high-g maneuvering and super-cruising. Type A is believed to be in service with PLAAF stationed in Southwest China (S/N 53x3x). Type A is speculated to have been developed by 601/SAC and adopts some 6-generation fighter technologies.
    2. Type B is also a large supersonic UCAV or “unmanned air dominance fighter” optimized for air superiority. It features tailless diamond wings, all moving wingtips, an EOTS under the nose, MADL antennas outside the engine intakes, dorsal EO turrets, an internal weapon bay in the belly, two DSIs and a single improved WS-10C engine (15t class) without a TVC nozzle. The UCAV is thought to be capable of extreme high-g maneuvering and super-cruising. Type B is believed to be in service with PLAAF stationed in Southwest China (S/N 53x3x). Type B is speculated to have been developed by 611/CAC and adopts some 6-generation fighter technologies. A satellite image released in July 2021 showed a prototype was being tested at CAC.
    3. Type C is a subsonic CCA or “unmanned wingman”. It features swept wings, canted tail fins, an internal weapon bay, a dorsal engine intake and a single engine. It appears similar to American XQ-58A. The CCA is optimized for flying air-to-ground missions carrying small PGMs. Type C is believed to be in service with PLAAF stationed in Southwest China (S/N 53x3x).
    4. Type D is also supersonic CCA or “unmanned wingman”. It features diamond wings, canted tail fins, a dorsal engine intake and a single engine. The CCA is optimized for flying air-to-ground missions carrying small PGMs. Type D is believed to be in service with PLAAF stationed in Southwest China (S/N 53x3x).
    5. Type E* is another subsonic CCA or “unmanned wingman”. It features jagged swept wings, canted tail fins, a dorsal engine intake and a single engine. The CCA is optimized for flying air-to-ground missions carrying small PGMs. Type E appears similar to the earlier FH-97. It is believed to be in service with PLAAF stationed in Southwest China (S/N 53x3x).
    6. Type F* could be a mysterious supersonic CCA or UCAV which in the end did not participate the 80th VJ Day Parade. It might feature tailless diamond wings, all moving wingtips, and twin dorsal engine intakes. It was rumored that a prototype was being tested at SAC in January 2025.
          *All except Type E and Type F were unveiled at the 80th VJ Day Parade on September 3, 2025.
JWZ-X

Images first disclosed in June 2020 indicated that a shipborne VTUAV (JWZ-X?) similar to American MQ-8B was being developed for PLAN by the 602 Institute. It features an EO turret and a surface search radar under the nose, plus bar shaped ESM antennas on both sides of the fuselage. Its engine might be a single WZ-8D turboshaft. The VTUAV is expected to be stationed onboard the new Type 075 LHD and Type 055 DDG. A recent video (August 2023) suggested that one JWZ-X prototype was evaluated onboard the Hainan LHD, wearing a dark blue color scheme. JWZ-X is thought to have been in service with PLAN, wearing a light gray color scheme and a 2-digit code (S/N H65120xx). JWZ-X was unveiled at the 80th VJ Day Parade on September 3, 2025. Its export version may be called AR-2000, which features a pair of stub wings carrying up to 6 ASMs.
- Last updated 9/11/25
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