China's Wing Loong-X Drone Debuts Anti-Submarine Capabilities at Airshow China 2024

The Wing Loong-X drone, which represents China's latest advancements in unmanned aerial technology, is currently being exhibited at Airshow China 2024 in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province. This drone is notable for displaying its complete anti-submarine functionalities for the first time and has recently transitioned to routine test flights, as reported by the Global Times.

Constructed under the principles of fully independent intellectual property, the Wing Loong-X is identified as a medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial system that boasts a long operational range, substantial payload capacity, and the capability to tackle various missions. According to the state-run Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), this drone integrates advanced technological features and benefits from the proven technologies and combat experiences of the previous Wing Loong drone series, positioning it as a leader in the field of medium-altitude, long-endurance drones.

At the airshow, the drone was spotlighted with its comprehensive anti-submarine capabilities, equipped with an array of payloads including sonar buoy pods, torpedoes, and both air-to-air and anti-ship missiles. Chief designer Tang Yong highlighted that these advanced capabilities enhance maritime security, enabling the drone to carry out crucial functions like reconnaissance and surveillance across expansive maritime areas, search and attack operations targeting submarines, and undertake long-range patrols and anti-submarine missions.

Moreover, the Wing Loong-X is engineered for seamless integration into combat systems, facilitating collaborative operations that extend beyond land to include air, surface, and underwater domains. In addition to its anti-submarine roles, the drone is versatile enough to execute missions that involve all-domain reconnaissance and strike operations, cross-domain support, activities in contested environments, and emergency rescue missions.

In conjunction with the Wing Loong-X, the newly introduced Wing Loong-6 drone is also featured at the airshow. This multirole drone is being developed to adapt to the evolving global combat landscape, offering advantages such as high cost-effectiveness and simplicity in maintenance, and has also begun its routine test flights.